If your ears don't produce much wax, in general, using in-ear headphones may not cause earwax buildup or blockage. But for many people, especially those who use in-ear headphones frequently, earwax can build up and cause problems that could send you to a doctor.

Yes, IEMs are earbuds with different shapes to make them more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They often sound better than cheap store-bought earbuds. IEMs that wrap around the ears are also great when doing rigorous exercise without fear of the earbuds falling out of your ears.