Can earwax stick to the eardrum?

Under normal circumstances, cerumen may adhere to the eardrum. Cerumen is formed by a mixture of secretions from the ear canal and external substances. The specific analysis is as follows:

Cerumen is a viscous secretion produced by the skin in the external auditory canal. When dry, it forms flaky layers that can naturally fall off. However, if water enters the ear canal or excessive force is used when cleaning the ears with cotton swabs, the secretions inside the ear canal may mix with foreign materials and stick to the eardrum. If not cleaned for a prolonged period, this buildup may block the ear canal, leading to hearing loss. In severe cases, it could trigger conditions such as external otitis or otitis media.

If a patient has excessive cerumen causing blockage of the external auditory canal, prompt medical attention is necessary. Under a doctor's guidance, physiological saline can be used to irrigate the ear canal, effectively removing the accumulated secretions and relieving discomfort symptoms.