As people age, what happens to the cerumen in the ear canal?

As individuals age, the cerumen, commonly known as earwax, tends to become drier and harder. This change is primarily due to physiological alterations in the glands that produce earwax as well as a decrease in the oil content within the earwax itself. Younger individuals typically have a cerumen that is softer and more pliable because it contains a higher proportion of lipids and moisture.

In aging adults, the increased keratinization and reduced sebaceous gland activity contribute to the production of a drier and more compact cerumen. This hardened cerumen can lead to blockages in the ear canal, potentially affecting hearing and requiring intervention.

Understanding this change is important for hearing instrument specialists as they manage elderly patients who may experience hearing issues related to cerumen buildup.