Symptoms Of Earwax Buildup

Ringing In The Ear

Ringing in the ear, otherwise known as tinnitus, is another common sign of earwax buildup. As earwax becomes compacted, it may begin to graze the cochlea, which is the portion of the ear responsible for sending sound information to the brain for processing. The ringing is typically described as steady and high-pitched. While not physically painful, tinnitus can be somewhat of an annoyance, interfering with an individual's ability to concentrate and sleep, resulting in insomnia and poor performance. There is no remedy to combat tinnitus. In most cases, the ringing will stop once the blockage is moved. In some cases, however, the buildup causes damage to the cochlea, resulting in long-term tinnitus.

Pain In The Ear

Pain in the ear with wax buildup can occur if the earwax begins to harden and push against the eardrum. Pain may worsen if pressure is applied to the outer ear and may be sharp and sudden, peaking at points and then decreasing. While pain in the ear is not always indicative of an infection, if pain is felt, individuals should consider visiting a physician for further examination. This is especially true if an individual is experiencing pain accompanied by a fever (over 102 degrees Fahrenheit) and discharge from the ear. Pain can be treated with warm, moist compresses for ten to fifteen minutes every one or two hours.