Symptoms vary from mild itching to severe pain, drainage and mild hearing loss. Possibly due to cold water, the bony portion of the external canal becomes thickened and eventually creates a knob-like projection. Over time, several of these growths may close the ear canal causing significant hearing loss. The condition is painless and may go unnoticed for a number of years until hearing loss becomes obvious. Surgical correction by a specialist may be necessary to restore normal hearing.
Treatment consists of flushing the wax out with a stream of warm water.
If you suspect this is the problem, get a medical opinion since it is not wise to try to do this yourself because other ear conditions may mimic wax build-up. DO NOT use Q-tips, which will only make the problem worse. If the ear drum perforates, a pus-like or bloody drainage will flow from the affected ear. These symptoms may follow a cold or sore throat. Treatment is usually an antibiotic and a decongestant.