Cerumen (Earwax)

Cerumen, commonly called earwax, is a natural substance produced by glands in the outer portion of the ear canal. It protects the ear canal by trapping dust, debris, and microorganisms before they reach the eardrum. Cerumen also has mild antibacterial properties and helps maintain moisture in the ear canal.

In most people, cerumen migrates out of the ear canal naturally, aided by jaw movements during chewing and talking. Problems arise when cerumen accumulates faster than it moves out, when the ear canal is narrow, or when cotton swabs or other objects push wax deeper into the canal, causing a blockage called an impaction. A cerumen impaction can cause muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness, tinnitus, dizziness, or ear pain.

Removal should be performed by a trained professional using methods such as microsuction, curette removal, or irrigation. Cotton swabs are not recommended for ear canal cleaning as they typically push wax deeper.