“Why do I have excessive earwax?”

Bodies are all different. Just as some people have more oily skin and others dry skin, ear wax production varies widely. It does tend to run in families. Your best defense is to have it checked regularly, often twice a year is plenty. You can have that removed by your physician or audiologist so it does not block the canal and impact your ability to hear. Over the counter drops are also available to assist removal at home. Follow the instruction on the kit and make sure to flush the canal well. This too should only need to be done every few months. The OTC drops do not prevent wax production, they merely soften the wax to allow it to be move easily flushed out. Again, don't over use the drops as you do not want to keep the canals wet and encourage bacteria growth. Wax is a normal part of a healthy ear.    Angela R. Sieh Ceretto, M.A., CCC-A, FAAA Audiologist Pinnacle Audiology, LLC 6809 S. Minnesota Ave., Suite 101 605-306-4481  

Having excessive earwax that occludes your hearing is actually one of the most common causes of hearing loss. When wax is moved back toward the eardrum or the ears make more wax than necessary, it can cause a temporarily blockage leading to hearing loss. An interesting fact: stress can increase your ear's ability to produce earwax!
If the earwax buildup is a continuous problem, using a earwax-removal medication like an over the counter Debrox or Murine Ear Wax Removal System might be recommended by your doctor. Use them only as directed because they can irritate the ear canal, eardrum and surrounding skin.