What it means
A waxy substance that protects the ear canal, traps dust and helps keep out infection. It usually moves out of the ear on its own. A buildup can block the canal (cerumen impaction), especially in older adults and people who wear hearing aids or use cotton swabs, and can cause hearing loss, fullness or ringing in the ear.
For the nurse
Teach clients not to push cotton swabs into the ear canal. Before irrigating an ear to remove wax, check that the eardrum is intact; use body-temperature water and gentle pressure.
At a glance
| Everyday words | earwax |
|---|---|
| Spanish | cerumen |
Related terms
tympanic membrane
The thin, cone-shaped sheet of tissue between the outer ear canal and the middle ear; the eardrum.