A person with a cerumen impaction has an ear canal that is plugged with earwax.

Cerumen is a term used to describe earwax, which is made by the cells that line the ear canal. Cerumen is a protective coating that prevents dust and bacteria from reaching the eardrum. Normally, cerumen flows from the inside of the ear canal, to the opening of the ear canal. Occasionally, cerumen builds-up and blocks the ear canal.