Earwax

Despite its name, earwax is not "wax," but a mixture of secretions from the outer ear, along with dead skin cells and hair. It is normal and necessary for healthy ears, acting as a self-cleaning agent with lubricating and antibacterial properties. However, ear wax can accumulate inside the ear to the point where it causes an impaction and symptoms including hearing loss, "ringing" in the ears, pain or a feeling of fullness in the ear. In those cases, wax removal may be necessary. Don't use cotton swabs which only push the wax further into the ear and avoid home oral jet irrigators and ear candling. Bulb syringes are a good choice, or simply see your doctor.