Kuulmekäigule

Kuulmekäigule, also known as the external auditory canal or external acoustic meatus, is the passage that leads from the outside of the head to the eardrum. It is a tube-like structure approximately 2.5 centimeters in length in adults. The outer portion of the kuulmekäigule is cartilaginous, while the inner portion is bony, lined with skin. This skin contains specialized glands that produce earwax, also known as cerumen. Earwax plays a crucial role in protecting the ear by trapping dust and other foreign particles, and it also has antibacterial properties. The hairs lining the outer part of the canal further help to prevent debris from entering the ear. The kuulmekäigule's slightly curved shape and the presence of earwax create an environment that helps to keep the eardrum clean and protected. It also contributes to the amplification of certain sound frequencies, aiding in hearing. Inflammation or infection of the kuulmekäigule is commonly referred to as otitis externa, or swimmer's ear.