Try: Earwax whose scientific name is cerumen is the natural substance produced by the lining of our ear canals generally earwax is part of the ear’s self-cleaning process the purpose of earwax is to lubricate the ear canal and prevent infections some amount of earwax is important because it stops dust and foreign particles from getting into the eardrum however earwax becomes a problem when it builds up in the ear canal having large amounts or harden earwax will interfere with the function of the eardrum leading to deafness and possibly infection elderly cr’s are more susceptible to earwax buildup this is because as individuals age ear glands secrete less oil which often causes the ear wax to be drier and harder this leads to buildup earwax is a common cause of hearing aid failure be careful removing earwax from an elderly care recipient’s cr ear the skin inside the ear canal is very delicate so a scratch could easily cause an infection additionally the eardrum is also susceptible to injury information references

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Categories: Medical Physical

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Keywords: Hearing

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed