Ear wax

Ear Wax

Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. It has protective, lubricating and antibacterial properties. The main work of the ear wax is to protect the skin of the human ear canal, assist in cleaning and lubrication, and also provide some protection from bacteria, fungi, insects and water.

Production and Types

Ear wax is produced by ceruminous and sebaceous glands in the outer third of the ear canal. It is a mixture of viscous secretions from sebaceous glands and less-viscous ones from modified apocrine sweat glands. There are two distinct genetically determined types of ear wax: the wet type, which is predominantly found in Africans and Europeans, and the dry type, which is commonly found in East Asians.

Functions

The primary function of ear wax is to protect the ear canal skin and keep it dry by preventing water retention. It also traps and prevents dust, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and insects from reaching the eardrum. The movement of the jaw helps the ear wax to naturally move out of the canal and into the ear opening where it usually dries, flakes, and falls out.

Problems and Treatment

Excessive ear wax, or cerumen impaction, can press against the eardrum or block the outside ear canal or hearing aids, potentially causing hearing loss. Other symptoms can include earache, a feeling of fullness in the ear, tinnitus or noises in the ear, and itching. Treatment for impacted ear wax includes ear drops, irrigation or ear syringing, and manual removal.

See Also

• Ear Canal
• Eardrum
• Tinnitus
• Hearing Loss

References

Ear wax Resources
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