Earwax, or cerumen, is secreted by special
glands in the wall of the outer ear
canal. The glands are essentially modified
sweat
glands. The wax they secrete, together with hair follicles in the
canal, help to protect against foreign matter entering the ear. Usually the wax works its way out of the canal on its own. In some persons, however, it tends to build up and harden. If unremoved, it can then cause some hearing loss. A person should not attempt to remove such wax balls, because damage to the eardrum or ear canal may result, but they are easily removed by a doctor.