Why Earwax Buildup Shouldn’t Be IgnoredEarwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance that plays an important role in protecting the ears from dust, bacteria, and debris. While earwax typically clears itself out of the ear canal, excessive buildup can cause blockages, leading to discomfort, hearing loss, and infections.Many people attempt to remove earwax at home using cotton swabs, but this often does more harm than good. Instead of removing the wax, cotton swabs can push it deeper into ...