Updated January 01, 2014.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Definition: Ear wax is a waxy substance that consists of secretions from specialized sweat glands inside the ear, mixed with skin cells and bacteria. The wax captures things like bacteria and foreign materials, helping to keep the ear undamaged. Plus, ear wax is a defense against irritation when water is in the ear. However, if ear wax builds up without being removed, it can cause some temporary hearing loss, which can be corrected when the wax is removed.
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