Earwax
- Earwax Overview
- Earwax Causes
- Earwax Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Earwax Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Next Steps
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
Earwax Overview
Earwax, medically referred to as cerumen, is produced by glands in the outer ear canal. Its purpose is to trap dust and other small particles and prevent them from reaching, and potentially damaging the eardrum. Normally, the wax dries up and falls out of the ear, along with any trapped dust or debris.
Picture of the ear and earwax build-up
Next: Earwax Causes »
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Earwax
Ear Foreign Body Overview
Getting an object stuck in the ear is a relatively common problem, especially in toddlers. The vast majority of items are lodged in the ear canal, which is the small channel that ends at the eardrum. Because the ear canal is quite sensitive, you can usually tell if there is something in your ear.
Most cases of foreign bodies in the ear are not serious and can usually wait until the morning or the following day for removal. The object does, however, have to be completely removed quickly and with the least amount of discomfort and danger.
- Common objects found in ears include food material, beads, toys, and insects. Children often place items in their ears out of curiosity.
- Although earwax (cerumen) is not technically a foreign body, it does frequently accumulate in the ear canal and can cause discomfort or decreased hearing just like other foreign bodies.
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Cerumen Impaction Removal »
Removal of cerumen (wax) from the ear is a significant amount of the workload of an otolaryngologist and is, therefore, an essential skill to master.
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