<Li> Granuloma, a scar usually caused by tympanostomy tubes </Li> <Li> Otitis externa (swimmer's ear), bacteria - caused inflammation of the ear canal </Li> <Li> Stenosis, a gradual closing of the canal </Li> <P> 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, causing conductive hearing loss . </P>

What is the function of the external auditory meatus