Earwax or cerumen is a viscous substance secreted in the ear canal to protect the ears from foreign particles and to keep them lubricated to prevent infections. The ears have a self-cleaning mechanism that pushes earwax to the outer part of the ear through chewing or other jaw movements. It naturally falls off as flakes around the outer ear. When earwax blocks the ear canal (impacted earwax), it can cause a feeling of ears being plugged and sometimes ringing sensation which can lead to temporary hearing loss if left untreated.