ceruminosis /siro̅o̅′minō″sis/ , excessive buildup of cerumen (earwax) in the external auditory canal. It can cause discomfort, symptoms of hearing loss, and local irritation leading to the development of infection. Removal of excess cerumen is accomplished by the local use of a wax-softening agent followed by careful flushing with an ear syringe. A cerumen spoon is sometimes used to scoop out hardened collections of wax.
