Obstructed auditory canal, loss of hearing
Cerumen is a physiological part of the external ear. It consists of secretions of the sebaceous glands in the external auditory canal (Meatus acusticus externus), mixed with scuffed epithelial cells, dust, little hairs and pigments.
Fresh cerumen is yellowish and highly viscous. After a long period of time, it loses its viscosity, and darkens and hardens. Cerumen protects the auditory canal from infections, since it has antibacterial and antimycotic effects. The unpleasant, rancid smell prevents inscts from entering the external auditory canal.