Cerumen impaction

Cerumen, commonly known as "earwax," is a pale yellow, viscous fluid secreted by the ceruminous glands in the skin of the cartilaginous part of the external auditory canal. A small amount of cerumen can protect the skin and mucous membranes of the external auditory canal and adhere to foreign substances (such as insects, dust, etc.). Normally, cerumen can fall off and be expelled on its own through movements like chewing and opening the mouth. If cerumen accumulates in the external auditory canal and obstructs it, it is called cerumen impaction. Once cerumen impaction forms, it can affect hearing or induce ear inflammation, leading to hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, or reflex cough. When it expands upon contact with water, it can cause hearing loss, irritate the skin of the external auditory canal, leading to local erosion, swelling, pain, and even discharge.