Understanding the Ear Canal: Structure, Function, and Earwax

The ear canal is a tube, about 1 inch long, between the outer ear and the ear drum. It directs sound waves through the skull to the ear drum.

Structure of the Ear Canal

• The ear canal has hairs near the outer end to keep foreign objects, such as dust or flies, out of the ear. Special oil glands also make ear wax.

Role of Ear Wax

• Ear wax coats the ear canal and traps particles that get past the hairs. Ear wax gradually moves out of the ear canal, carrying away the trapped particles.

Hearing problems

• Some people make more ear wax than can leave their ear. According to the American Tinnitus Association, the extra ear wax can cause ringing in the ear. Hearing loss or infection can occur if the ear canal is completely filled with ear wax.

Swimmers Ear

• Swimmers ear is caused by water trapped in the ear canal. The infection is painful and, according to the American Academy of Ontolaryngology, can lead to hearing loss if not treated.

Warning

• Use cotton-tipped swabs in the outer part of the ear only. Swabbing the ear too far in can break the skin lining the ear canal or remove too much ear wax.