What is cerumen? Cerumen impaction? Cerumen is ear wax. Cerumen impaction is the buildup of ear wax causing a blockage in your ear canal. Source: Shaza Khan, DO Tags:cerumencerumen impactiondizzinessear canalsear dropsear impactionear lavageear painear waxearsENThearingHearing lossimpactionOtolaryngologyringing in earswax blockagewax impaction