Earwax

Introduction

Earwax, lat. cerumen, is a brownish secretion of the ceruminal glands (earwax glands) of the external auditory canal, which protects the ear from infections by having an antibacterial and antifungal effect, i.e. against fungi. Furthermore, the sometimes unpleasant smell prevents insects from entering the ear.

Earwax also serves to remove dust and dead skin cells, facilitates the removal of foreign materials and greases the sensitive mucous membrane of the external auditory canal. Frequent cleaning or swimming can eliminate the protective effect of cerumen and prepare the ground for infections and injuries. On the other hand, reduced drainage of secretions, overproduction or improper cleaning can lead to a plug of earwax, the so-called cerumen obturans.

Among the approx. 1000 substances detected in earwax are mainly greasing and moisturizing substances, as well as various peptide-based antimicrobial compounds. In humans, cerumen can be found in the moist and dry form. The moist form has a higher content of unsaturated fatty acids, is yellowish to light brown in color and has an oily consistency. The dry form is widespread in East Asia, but is very rare in Europe and Africa.

Cause of the earwax plug

When talking about earwax, the clinical picture of the earwax plug (cerumen obturans) is usually meant. This is the complete closure of the external auditory canal by a plug of earwax. In addition to overproduction and reduced drainage of the cerumen, its swelling after contact with water, for example when showering, swimming or bathing, can also promote the formation of a plug.

Individual factors such as a narrowed ear canal or irritating foreign bodies such as earplugs or hearing aids can also be considered. The most common causes of earwax clotting, however, are excessive cleaning or incorrect cleaning techniques using cotton swabs, which can lead to the earwax in the outer ear canal being pushed together near the eardrum. Normally, the earwax is transported out of the ear canal by the body.

If this does not work, or if an excessive amount of earwax is produced for various reasons, the body secretion can get stuck in the ear canal. This can block the outer ear canal. Similar to an earplug, a plug of earwax restricts hearing.

The severity of the restriction depends on the consistency and size of the plug. A plug in the ear can manifest itself by itching or a feeling of pressure in the affected ear. Sometimes ear noises or tinnitus are described.

Since earwax has a strong inherent odor, a large plug of earwax can also be conspicuous by its odor. In addition, the affected ear can cause pain. A plug of earwax can be easily detected by the doctor.

For this he uses for example an ear funnel. This is a simple funnel whose tip can be inserted into the ear canal and widens it slightly. The use of an otoscope is more common.

This is an illuminated ear funnel on a handle. Special ear microscopes can also be used. If a plug of earwax is found, the doctor can remove it. For this purpose he uses different aids and instruments. After removing the plug, normal hearing should be completely restored.