Excess or impacted cerumen can press against the eardrum and/or occlude the external auditory canal and impair hearing.
The medical term cerumen (aka, earwax), is a yellowish waxy substance secreted in the ear canal of humans and many other mammals. It protects the skin of the human ear canal, assists in cleaning and lubrication, and also provides some protection from bacteria, fungi, insects and water.
Properly managing a patient’s cerumen can help protect patients from further hearing loss.
Cerumen is secreted inside the external auditory canal and can become so insidious as to cause hearing loss. Cerumen is not an uncontainable virus, bacteria, or ear monster. Properly trained audiologists can help control it.
For some, cerumen management may be as simple as keeping the ears clean. For individuals who have a hearing impairment, however, proper cerumen hygiene is essential.
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Hearing healthcare is important at any age. Schedule your appointment with Saline Audiology today.
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