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Auditory canal

The ear canal is part of the outer ear, it conducts sound from the environment to the eardrum. It also acts as a resonance channel and protects the middle ear from dirt, water and infections.

Contents

Quick version

What is the ear canal?

The ear canal, also called the external auditory canal (meatus acusticus externus), is a canal that is about 2.5 centimeters long, it connects the outer ear with the eardrum. The outer part of the ear canal consists of cartilage, while the inner part is surrounded by bone.

Function of the ear canal

The main task of the ear canal is to transport sound waves to the eardrum. It naturally amplifies certain frequencies and protects the inner ear from dirt, bacteria and water.

Anatomical structure

The ear canal is divided into two parts. The inner part consists of bone and has thinner skin without hair or glands. The outer third consists of elastic cartilage and is covered by skin with hair and glands that produce earwax.

Earwax and Protection

Earwax (cerumen) is naturally produced in the outer part of the ear canal. It acts as a protection against bacteria, traps dirt and prevents water from entering the eardrum.

Common Problems

The ear canal can be affected by several conditions such as wax plugs, infections or foreign objects. It is important to be careful when cleaning the ear canal because excessive cleaning with cotton swabs can damage the skin and cause irritation or infection.

Examination of the ear canal in case of problems

Examination of the ear is justified in the case of a number of symptoms and conditions that may indicate infection, damage or other disturbances in the anatomy or function of the ears. Ear examinations are primarily performed using an otoscope – an instrument with a light and magnifying lens that allows you to look into the ear canal and eardrum. MRI examination of the ear canal is used to show detailed images of the inner ear, auditory nerve and surrounding structures – something that is not visible with regular otoscopy or X-ray.

Relevant symptoms

  • Hearing loss
  • Itching or irritation
  • Pain in the ear
  • Pressure or fullness
  • Fluid or pus from the ear

Related conditions and diagnoses

  • Wax plug (cerumen)
  • Otitis externa (inflammation of the ear canal)
  • Eczema in the ear canal
  • Foreign body in the ear
  • Ear canal exostosis (bone formation from exposure to cold water)

Questions and answers

The ear canal's main function is to conduct sound waves from the outer ear to the eardrum, thereby making hearing possible. It also serves as protection against dirt and infections.

It is approximately 2.5 centimeters long, it consists of an outer cartilage part and an inner bone part.

Earwax is a natural protective substance that forms in the outer part of the ear canal. Earwax is good and protects the ear against bacteria, traps dust and keeps the skin moist.

Dry skin, eczema, allergies or incipient inflammation (otitis externa) can cause itching in the ear canal. It can also be triggered by excessive cleaning with cotton swabs.

A wax plug is removed by dissolving it with over-the-counter ear drops or by having it flushed out by a healthcare professional. It is not recommended to use cotton swabs to remove wax.

Otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, is an infection of the ear canal that can cause pain, itching, and purulent fluid. It is common in humid environments and after swimming.

Yes, this is possible in the case of, for example, earwax plugs or inflammation that can temporarily impair hearing by blocking the sound's path to the eardrum.

Yes, earplugs can push the wax deeper, irritate the skin and, in the worst case, cause damage to the eardrum. It is better to use ear drops when necessary.

In case of pain, hearing loss or fluid coming from the ear, and if self-care does not help, you should contact a health center or ear doctor for assessment.