What is produced in the external auditory canal?

The external auditory canal produces cerumen, commonly known as earwax. This substance is secreted by ceruminous glands located in the skin of the canal. Cerumen plays a crucial role in ear health by providing a protective barrier against dust, debris, and microorganisms, which helps prevent infections. It also helps to lubricate the canal, preventing dryness and irritation.

The external auditory canal's unique structure allows cerumen to be naturally expelled as the jaw moves, for instance, during chewing or talking. This self-cleaning mechanism keeps the ear canal relatively clean and reduces the risk of blockages. In contrast, sound waves are produced by sources outside the body, hearing aids are external devices designed to assist with hearing, and auditory signals refer to the neural impulses generated by the inner ear in response to sound stimuli. These elements are not produced within the external auditory canal itself.