Cerumen, otherwise known as ear wax, is the product of modified sweat glands located in the outer one-half of the ear canal. The inner one-half of the ear canal is lined by very thin skin lacking these sweat glands. Cerumen is originally a thin clear liquid that thickens and takes on a yellow to brown color when it is exposed to air. It serves a protective role to the skin lining the ear canal. It keeps the skin of the ear canal moist, avoiding dryness and itching. It also coats the hairs of the ear canal in order to trap dust, dirt, small insects, and any other material that might enter the ear canal and potentially damage the tender skin of the deeper part of the canal or the even more delicate eardrum. In addition to providing a protective coating within the ear canal, it has a mildly acidic pH that lends to controlling the population of bacteria and fungi that normally colonize the canal.
Cerumen
Definition An excellent children’s
health guide and provides some direction for concerned parents.
EarWax Blockage Very interesting
page that tells you all kinds of information
about earwax. It mentions the definition, signs and symptoms,
causes, how to prevent it, and how to treat it.
Ear Candling
Introduction Kind of an
interesting site that looks at ear candling. I don't
recommend that you try this, but it makes for interesting
conversation.
Cerumen Clinical Resources
University of
Alabama has a list of resources
that could be beneficial. You will have to do some digging to find the
information you are looking for
