Ear canal

Template:Infobox Anatomy Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

The ear canal (external auditory meatus, external acoustic meatus), is a tube running from the outer ear to the middle ear. The human ear canal extends from the pinna to the eardrum and is about 26 mm in length and 7 mm in diameter.

Size and shape

The human ear canal is approximately 26 mm long and 7 mm in diameter. Size and shape of the canal vary among individuals. This is an important factor to consider when fitting hearing protectors.

Disorders

The ear canal, because of its relative exposure to the outside world, is a common victim of diseases and other disorders. Some disorders include:

Otitis externa (swimmer's ear), bacteria-caused inflammation of the ear canal
Contact dermatitis of the ear canal
Ear fungus
Ear myiasis, an extremely rare infestation of maggots
Bone exposure, caused by the wearing away of skin in the canal
Granuloma, a scar usually caused by tympanostomy tubes
Stenosis, a gradual closing of the canal
Foreign body in ear
Ear mites in animals.
Cysts of the external auditory meatus

Epidermal cyst of the external auditory meatus.^[1]
Same cyst of external auditory meatus, magnified.^[2]
Large cyst of the external auditory meatus. ^[3]

Earwax

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a yellowish, waxy substance secreted in the ear canals. It plays an important role in the human ear canal, assisting in cleaning and lubrication, and also provides some protection from bacteria, fungi, and insects. Excess or impacted cerumen can press against the eardrum and/or occlude the external auditory canal and impair hearing.