What is the auditory canal?
by Jason Levy
Posted on 26-08-2021 11:00 PM
What is the auditory canal?
The human body is an amazing thing. The external ear canals have their own natural protective mechanisms that also help to keep them clean and prevent infection. One of those protective mechanisms is a thin repellent film.
A thin, water-repellent and slightly acidic film lines the inside of the ear canal, inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Earwax (cerumen) is a build-up of this sticky film of wax, dead skin cells and other debris that makes its way to the opening of the ear canal to keep it clean. The outer ear, especially around the sensitive ear canal opening, helps to keep out foreign bodies of all kinds.
Wax plays an important role in keeping the ear clean.
Wax plays an important role in ear health, but if it builds up in the ear canal, it can also cause problems. If excess earwax is causing discomfort or interfering with your daily routine, Walgreens can help you solve the problem. You can discuss with your doctor the best earwax removal method for your specific needs. Your GP will usually recommend a visit to a clinic that specialises in earwax microaspiration.
On the external area of the ear canal, there are cells that produce a substance known as cerumen which traps skin cells, dust and dirt particles. The waxy cerumen also helps to repel water, thus protecting the delicate eardrum from damage. The wax is gradually washed out through the lining of the ear canal, taking the trapped dirt with it. Over time, the wax dries and falls away from the ear in small, discreet flakes.
Normal earwax production is healthy and good for your ears. When too much wax is produced, it can clog the ear, but more often the ear is clogged by improper care and cleaning. When swabs, pencils, fingertips or other objects are inserted into the ear canal to try to remove earwax, the pressure pushes the wax further into the ear, so that it presses against the eardrum. Earwax blockage, also called cerumen impaction, is a common cause of temporary hearing loss.
Ear candles are not a recommended treatment for earwax.
Believe it or not, some people use what's called an ear candle, a technique in which a hollow, cone-shaped, lighted candle is inserted into the ear canal in a vain attempt to remove earwax.
The theory is that the heat from the candle flame creates a vacuum and the earwax sticks to the candle. Ear candles, however, are definitely not a recommended treatment for earwax. Scientific research has shown that ear candles simply have no effect and can even cause burning, or even cause more wax to enter the ear canal.
With the microsuction method of earwax removal, the risks are low. However, as with any medical procedure, things can go wrong. If you move abruptly during treatment, there is a risk of damaging the ear canal or the eardrum.
This can be avoided if you remain still during the entire treatment. It should also be noted that the procedure can be a little noisy, so you may temporarily feel a disturbance in your hearing. However, this is minimal and your hearing will soon return to normal.