What does cerumen impaction look like?

Feb 27, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Xu Gang

Introduction

Cerumen impaction appears as a dark brown or yellowish-brown solid mass. Cerumen is a淡yellow, viscous fluid secreted by the ceruminous glands in the cartilaginous portion of the external auditory canal. Normally, upon exposure to air, it dries into thin flakes. However, when excessive cerumen is produced or its expulsion is obstructed, it can accumulate within the external auditory canal, forming a plug that blocks the canal. Upon exposure to air, the color changes, resulting in a dark brown or yellowish-brown solid mass.

Cerumen impaction appears as a mass that is dark brown or yellowish-brown in color.

Cerumen is a淡yellow, viscous fluid secreted by ceruminous glands located in the skin of the cartilaginous portion of the external auditory canal. These ceruminous glands are a specialized type of sweat gland situated in the skin of the external auditory canal, often around ear hairs. Normally, upon exposure to air, cerumen dries into thin flakes. However, when excessive secretion occurs or its natural expulsion is obstructed, cerumen can accumulate and form a solid mass within the external auditory canal, leading to impaction. Upon exposure to air, the accumulated cerumen may darken, becoming a dark brown or yellowish-brown solid mass.

Cerumen impaction commonly causes hearing loss and may also predispose individuals to inflammation. Treatment typically follows medical guidance and may include methods such as the use of a cerumen hook, external auditory canal suction, or irrigation of the external auditory canal.

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Can cerumen impaction cause tinnitus?

If cerumen impaction occurs in the ear canal, it may cause tinnitus. First, if the impacted cerumen is relatively small in volume or is loosely packed, changes in head or body position—such as those occurring during walking, running, or other physical activities—may alter the configuration of the ear canal. During such positional changes, the cerumen impaction may collide with or rub against the walls of the external auditory canal, thereby producing various tinnitus sounds.

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What should I do if earwax cannot be removed and there is an abnormal sound?

Earwax cannot escape and may cause noise; it is recommended to treat this by removal with a curette, softening with ear drops, or irrigation of the external auditory canal. Dust and dirt, if not cleaned properly, can remain in the air and enter the ear canal, mixing with ear secretions to form earwax. Therefore, to keep the ear canal clean, one must pay attention to indoor hygiene as well as personal cleanliness.

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What does bilateral external auditory canal cerumen mean?

Under normal circumstances, the cartilaginous portion of the external auditory canal produces a substance called cerumen. When cerumen is over-secreted or poorly expelled, it may gradually accumulate and form a plug that blocks the external auditory canal, known as cerumen impaction. Cerumen impaction in the external auditory canal can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, ear pain, dizziness, and even reflex coughing caused by stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve in the external auditory canal.

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How can cerumen impaction be completely cured?

Cerumen impaction refers to the accumulation of secretions in the external auditory canal, which can be removed using forceps, a cerumen hook, or by visiting a hospital for irrigation or suction clearance. Cerumen impaction cannot be permanently cured, as earwax is continuously produced by the ceruminous glands and naturally sheds over time—a normal physiological process. The most effective approach is regular removal of the accumulated cerumen.