3
Cerumen is formed in the outer two-thirds (cartilaginous portion) of the ear canal, and not the
inner-third (bony portion) that ends at the eardrum. Impacted cerumen (green-like collection) can
completely obstruct the ear canal. Adapted and reproduced with permission: Rosenfeld RM. A Parent's
Guide to Ear Tubes. Hamilton, Canada: BC Decker Inc; 2005.
Figure 1. Cerumen
Figure 2. Otoscopic view
of impacted cerumen
that completely fills the
ear canal
Image courtesy of the Yanagisawa image library. © AAO-HNSF 2015
Figure 3. Otoscopic view
of impacted cerumen,
mixed with hair, completely
obstructing the ear canal
