This is a serious problem. I had an impaction which was excruciatingly painful, and well, I couldn't believe the size of the plug that they took out! And, because it had gotten to the impacted point, they had to "pressure-spray" it, nicking my eardrum in the process, because I flinched.
after that episode, my friend and I went out to a shopping center, and we found a folk group playing. I was in heaven, being able to hear out of both ears!
So now I have bought one of those "kits" with the ear syringe and the drops, and I use them every two months or so. Still have build-up, but not to the impaction point!