Earwax Earwax is a very common medical problem. Earwax, also known as cerumen, is made by special glands in the ear canal. It provides lubrication and protects the ear from things which may get into the canal. Normally it is not a problem and it builds up in very small amounts. It dries up in the ear canal and falls out when one eats, talks, or moves their jaw.
Some people have very active earwax glands which produce too much earwax.
Some people have small ear canals. And sometimes the wax builds up very fast and blocks the ear canal. That can decrease your hearing and may also cause a full sensation in the ear. For most people, the ear canal is self cleaning. But for some people, the ear wax builds up so fast that it needs to be cleaned out.