Why are oily ears prone to cerumen impaction?
Disease description:
I always suffer from earwax impaction. A friend told me I have oily ears—why are oily ears prone to earwax impaction?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Bing
Oily ears are prone to cerumen impaction because the sebaceous glands in oily ears produce excessive oil. Dust and shed epithelial cells in the external auditory canal mix together over time, forming clumps of cerumen that gradually block the ear canal. Patients may experience hearing loss, tinnitus, and may also develop external otitis. It is recommended that patients clean their ears approximately every two to three months.
