User:Mr. Ibrahem/Earwax

Earwax, also known by the medical term cerumen, is a brown or gray waxy substance formed in the ear canal. It protects the ear from infection, water, and insects. While usually it causes no symptoms; excess amount can result in hearing loss, pain, or dizziness. Complications may include otitis externa.

Risk factors include using hearing aids and earplugs. Ear wax is made up of skin cells and secretions from ceruminous and sebaceous glands. Diagnosis is by looking in the ear with an otoscope.

Earwax generally leaves the ears spontaneously. In cases were symptoms result, removal can occur by irrigation, agents to break down the wax, or mechanical means. Mineral oil may be used to prevent build up. Cotton swabs and ear candling should not be used. About 6% of people develop impacted wax, with rates over 30% in older people. In the United States it results in about 12 million health care visits per year.