Are there practical ways to reduce the odds of ear wax impaction?

No Q tips: Don't use q tips in your ear. Don't ever put anything in your ear. Cerumen impaction is created by pushing wax down in the ear with q tips. Some people have dry wax that tends to accumulate. If that is the case ear wax removal drops and flushing with water can help. Ear wax removal drops are over the counter (no prescription).

Impacted CErumen: Impacted cerumen is very common among kids, just fill up the ears with h2o2 or debrox every night plug it with cotton for 1 -2 weeks . It will soften, if still impacted your md will clean it with warm water or irrigate it.