cérumen

Cérumen, commonly known as earwax, is a natural secretion produced in the external ear canal of humans and other mammals. It is a yellowish, waxy substance composed of shed skin cells, fatty acids, and secretions from the ceruminous and sebaceous glands. The primary functions of cérumen are to lubricate the ear canal, protect the skin from drying out, and trap dust, debris, and foreign particles, preventing them from reaching the eardrum. It also possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help to ward off infections.

The production of cérumen is a continuous process, and its consistency can vary from person to person, ranging from dry and flaky to wet and sticky. In most individuals, the ear canal naturally cleans itself. The jaw movements, such as chewing and talking, help to migrate the old cérumen from the inner part of the ear canal towards the outer ear opening, where it eventually dries and falls out.

Excessive accumulation of cérumen can lead to impaction, which may cause symptoms such as hearing loss, earache, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. This impaction can occur due to various factors, including the overproduction of cérumen, the use of cotton swabs or other objects that push the wax deeper into the ear canal, or due to anatomical variations in the ear canal. Medical professionals typically recommend against the use of cotton swabs for ear cleaning, as they can disrupt the natural cleaning process and contribute to impaction. If cérumen impaction is suspected, it is advisable to consult a doctor or an audiologist for safe and effective removal.