What does bilateral external auditory canal cerumen mean?

　　Cerumen in the bilateral external auditory canals, commonly known as earwax, is also referred to as bilateral auricular cicada.

　　The cartilaginous portion of the external auditory canal contains cerumen. When excessive secretion or poor excretion occurs, cerumen may gradually accumulate and form a mass that blocks the external auditory canal, a condition known as cerumen impaction. Cerumen impaction in the external auditory canal can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, ear pain, dizziness, and even reflexive coughing caused by stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. When cerumen absorbs water and swells, it can completely obstruct the external auditory canal, resulting in hearing impairment. Irritation from cerumen may cause inflammation of the external auditory canal, leading to the appearance of brown or yellowish lumps of varying sizes and consistencies. If cerumen in both ears is not cleaned regularly, these lumps may form during swimming or bathing, blocking the external auditory canal and potentially causing external otitis or tympanic membrane inflammation; in such cases, timely removal of the cerumen is necessary.

　　It is not recommended to clean the external auditory canal in very young children, as their ear canal skin is extremely delicate. Inserting cleaning instruments into the external auditory canal may easily damage the skin, leading to inflammation of the external auditory canal or middle ear.