H61: Other disorders of external ear
H61.2: Impacted cerumen
The ear consists of 3 sections: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The auricle and the auditory canal are part of the outer ear. The auricle and auditory canal route sound from outside towards the middle ear. In the auditory canal there are small glands that produce the earwax. Earwax binds dirt, so it keeps the auditory canal clean.
In your case, a plug of earwax has formed. This happens, for example, when someone frequently uses cotton swabs in their auditory canal or if someone uses a hearing aid. The wax plug then blocks the auditory canal like a cork. This type of plug can result in an unpleasant feeling of pressure in one’s ear. One’s hearing may also be worse than usual.
Patient Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.