Earwax

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Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

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Note:

If you have any of the following symptoms, or if you are uncertain about the cause of your ear symptoms, go to the topic Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older or Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger:

Sudden hearing loss
Ear pain or drainage from the ear
Fever
Injury to the ear
You think that your eardrum is ruptured.


	Yes

Do you have earwax buildup and other ear problems?


	Yes

Do you have moderate to severe vertigo?


	Yes

Do you have tubes in your ears and earwax causing moderate to severe discomfort?


	Yes

Do you have tubes in your ears and earwax is causing mild symptoms that have not improved over 2 or 3 days?


	Yes

Do you have a hearing problem related to earwax buildup that has not gotten better after 5 days of home treatment?


	Yes

Do your ears feel full or plugged after 5 days of home treatment?


	Yes

Do you still have ringing in your ears after 5 days of home treatment that you think is caused by earwax buildup?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 24, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.