2007-09-02 01:13:32 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
What is ear wax?
Earwax, also called cerumen, is naturally produced by the outer part of the ear canal to keep the ear clean. It performs this task by trapping dust and sand particles before they reach the eardrum. Wax also coats the fragile skin of the ear canal and acts a water repellent. Accummulated wax usually migrate to the ear opening; dries up and falls out.
How should ears be properly cleaned?
Normally, ear canals are self-cleaning and should not need cleaning with any device or cotton -tipped applicators. Cleaning the ear can cause problems by pushing the wax deeper into the ear canal against the eardrum. The improper use of a syringe sometimes might puncture the eardrum and cause hearing loss.
2007-09-02 02:21:21 · answer #1 · answered by rosieC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Earwax, also known by the medical term cerumen, is a yellowish, waxy substance secreted in the ear canal of humans and many other mammals. It plays an important role in the human ear canal, assisting in cleaning and lubrication, and also provides some protection from bacteria, fungi, and insects.
Cerumen or Earwax is produced in the outer third of the cartilaginous portion of the human ear canal. It is a mixture of viscous secretions from sebaceous glands and less-viscous ones from modified apocrine sweat glands.
Im a doctor
2007-09-02 01:25:10 · answer #2 · answered by emmanic26 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋