Did you know?
Ear wax buildup is common in many people with Down syndrome.
Ear wax, also called cerumen, is produced by our bodies to clean, protect, and lubricate our ear canals. Cerumen impaction occurs when our ear canals become blocked by ear wax that has built up. It is more common in people with Down syndrome and can cause impaired hearing as well as other symptoms. We often clean ears as part of annual physicals (or other appointments). We recommend that individuals with Down syndrome consider having their hearing checked every few years and their ears evaluated regularly. Additional information about cerumen impaction can be found in this resource.