A Look Inside the Ear Canal
Labeled Anatomy to Understand a Blockage
Medically reviewed by Benjamin F. Asher, MD
The ear canal—also called the external acoustic meatus, outer ear, or auditory canal—is the part of the ear that starts at the eardrum (between the outer and middle ear) and continues to the cartilage outside the ear.
The ear canal is made of bone and cartilage and can occasionally become blocked by earwax or water. Infection is another concern, affecting up to 85% of children.
This article discusses the ear canal's anatomy, function, common symptoms and complications, and seeking treatment when you have an ear canal blockage.
Kemal Yildirim / Getty Images
Basic Ear Canal Anatomy
The ear canal is the hollow tube portion of the ear that connects the pinna, or outer cartilage portion, to the eardrum. It is about 1 inch long and one-fourth inch wide, smaller in children and larger in adults. It consists of bone, which is closer to the eardrum, and cartilage, which is closer to the outer part of the ear.
Function of Ear Canal
The ear canal's primary role is to take the sound collected by the pinna and make it louder on its way to the eardrum. It also works as a filter to prevent anything harmful from reaching the eardrum. The opening is small to help avoid damage to the eardrum, but the small size also makes it susceptible to getting clogged.
Symptoms of Ear Canal Conditions
The ear canal is susceptible to symptoms such as ear discomfort, pain, or difficulty hearing. One of the most common ear canal conditions is ear infection, with 95% of cases lasting less than six weeks.
Blockage
Since the ear canal is small, it can become blocked and lead to symptoms. Although its primary role is to clean and protect the ears from infection, earwax buildup is a common cause of clogged ear canals. Other causes of ear blockage include water and small items inside the ear canal.
Symptoms of a blocked ear canal include:
Dizziness
Ear itch
Feeling that the ear is full
Ringing in the ear
Otitis Externa (Outer Ear Infection)
Infection of the ear canal, also called outer ear infection, swimmer's ear, or otitis externa, is common, affecting about 2.4 million Americans annually. This condition is most common among babies and young children. It is treatable, and most cases are mild.
Symptoms of ear canal infection include:
Difficulty hearing
Ear itch
Feeling that the ear is full
Pain or discomfort in the ear
Pus draining from the ear
Redness or swelling of the ear canal
Cyst
Cysts can form in the ear canal. These are lumps formed by a buildup of oil or skin cells that form beneath the skin.
Symptoms of ear canal cysts include:
Difficulty hearing
Lump in the ear canal
Multiple infections of the ear canal
Pain or discomfort in the ear
Ear Cancer
Ear cancer typically starts as skin cancer on the outer cartilage of the ear or the ear canal. It can affect the cartilage, bone, and other parts of the ear, especially if it spreads.
Symptoms of ear canal cancer include:
Blood, pus, or other liquid draining from the ear
Difficulty hearing
Lump in the ear canal
Pain or discomfort in the ear
Related: What Is a Fungal Ear Infection or Otomycosis?
How to Open a Clogged Ear Canal
The best way to open a clogged ear canal depends on the cause of the clog, as follows:
Water: If your ear is clogged with water, position the ear's opening toward the floor to allow the water to drain out.
Cyst: If a cyst clogs your ear, follow up with a healthcare provider for treatment.
Buildup: If your ears are clogged due to earwax buildup, use ear drops at home to loosen the earwax or see a healthcare provider to clear them.
It is essential not to use a cotton swab to remove earwax or anything else from the ear. This is because it can make the clog worse by pushing it farther into the ear.
Treating Other Ear Canal Complications
Ear canal infections can feel like a clogged ear canal. The body may be able to fight off an ear infection without treatment or need to be treated by a healthcare professional with medications. Cysts in the ear canal may need to be removed with surgery.
It is crucial to seek the support of a healthcare provider if the clog does not go away quickly or if there is pain, discomfort, difficulty hearing, or an object or growth in the ear.
Full Ear Canal Feeling
If you've been dealing with a feeling of fullness in your ear canal and haven't had success with at-home treatments, follow up with a healthcare provider.
There are various causes for this sensation, and a healthcare provider can help identify the cause to determine the best course of action to relieve and treat your symptoms.
Summary
The ear canal is the hollow tube connected to the eardrum and the outer ear. Since the ear canal is small and is a filter for the eardrum, it can become clogged and lead to symptoms such as a feeling of fullness, difficulty hearing, and dizziness.
It is possible to treat a clogged ear canal and other concerns affecting the ear canal at home. Reach out to a healthcare provider if your symptoms do not go away.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
