Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a yellowish, waxy material that is secreted by the sebaceous glands in the ear canal. This wax helps lubricate, cleanse and protect the lining of the ear canal and prevent bacterial growth. It is believed to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.  If your ears don't have enough earwax, they are likely to feel itchy and uncomfortable. Ear wax that contain lots of debris and sits in the ear canal for a longer period can get hard and dry. It can leads to ear blockage.

When the sebaceous glands secrete excess earwax, it can become stiff and block the ear. This blockage of the wax is a common cause of temporary hearing loss. This may cause infection in the ear if earwax buildup was not removed. If it gets lodged in a certain way, it can initiate cough by stimulating a branch of the vagus nerve that supplies the outer  ear.

1. Severe earache
2. Ear infection
3. Itching in ear
4. Tinnitus
5. Vertigo
6. Dizziness 
7. Nausea
8. Fever
9. Coughing
10. Smell coming from your ear
11. Drainage from your ear
12. A feeling of fullness in the ear

The common causes of earwax blockage are the following:

1. Earwax blockage can occur as earwax deepens within the ear canal. This may be  due to using cotton swabs, bobby pins or other items to remove earwax, which may remove surface wax, but also push the rest of the wax into the ear canal.

2. Swimmers are prone to produce excess earwax.

3. Hearing aid and earplug users are at greater risk of earwax blockages. Because it prevents the wax from coming out of the ear naturally, causing it to store inside the ear.

Doctors can diagnose the occurrence of earwax blockage by looking into your ear using a special device called an otoscope that illuminates and magnifies your inner ear.

There are many home remedies to overcome the excess of earwax naturally. When earwax hardens, it becomes difficult to fall. So, to soften this wax, the following are some home remedies that you can adopt. These measures will help soften the hard earwax and it will come out of the ear naturally.

Some natural remedies are followed:

1. Coconut Oil
2. Almond Oil
3. Baby Oil
4. Baking Soda
5. Saline Water
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
7. Olive Oil
8. Garlic Oil
9. Mullein Oil
10. Lukewarm water

Coconut oil is very useful for removing earwax. This reduces the risk of any infection. It naturally fights against germs. It can kill a wide range of harmful bacteria that accumulate due to earwax build-up. Use coconut oil in Lukewarm state and pour drops with the help of a dropper.

Almond oil acts as a lubricant that helps eliminate earwax. Almond oil softens the wax and makes it easier to remove out. Firstly heat oil and once it comes to room temperature, pour two to three drops with the help of a dropper.

Baby oil is a mineral oil and serves as an effective moisturizer and lubricant. This softens the earwax easily and makes it easier to remove from the ear.

Saline water is also an effective home remedy that dissolves Earwax as efficiently as the strong ear drops suggested by doctors. This softens the hard wax and makes it quite easy to come out.

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it effective for fighting harmful germs and helps treat ear infections and soften earwax from the ear canal. The mild acidity of this solution will soften and dissolve earwax and remove it naturally.

Olive oil is very effective in dissolving hard wax in the ears. As it is greasy in nature, it acts on hard wax and makes it soft and easy to remove. It also has strong bacteria destroying properties.

Garlic oil is an effective therapy to relieve ear blockage and pain caused by ear blockage. Garlic contains allicin, which is a natural antibiotic. Fights any internal or middle ear infection and helps to reduce pain. The oil will work on hard wax and make it easier to remove.

Mullein flower oil is very helpful in removing earwax. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so it also helps in fighting ear infections or any other infection.

It is an easily available natural remedy for earwax. It is an antiseptic which softens the earwax and prevents its build-up.

You can use lukewarm water for a mild ear flush. This will soften the wax and remove other dust, oils, and therefore helps to clean the ears well.