Why Do We Have Earwax1? 为什么我们有耳垢？

颜丹

What is earwax？

Earwax is a secretion2 produced by special glands3 in the outer ear canal4. It is produced by humans and most mammals5. It can either be dry and flaky6 or sticky and wet. It can range in colour from being yellow or orange to reddish or dark brown.

Why do we need earwax？

Earwax has many important jobs. It moisturizes7 the skin of the ear canal to prevent dry and itchy8 ears. It also contains special chemicals that fight off infections9 and acts as a protective layer that keeps the eardrum safe.

Can earwax create a blockage10？

In most humans， the earwax naturally falls out of the ear canal and is washed away when we bathe. As the ear canal constantly creates earwax， the skin is always moisturized and protected. However， sometimes there is an excessive build-up of earwax which can cause earaches and a mild11 loss of hearing. It is best to go visit a doctor， who can provide ear drops or safely remove the wax.

Using earbuds only pushes the earwax deeper and can cause a blockage or damage to the eardrum.

什么是耳垢？

耳垢是外耳道特殊腺体分泌的分泌物。人类和大多数哺乳动物都会产生。它可能是干的、片状的，也可能是粘的、潮湿的。它的颜色不一，从黄色或橙色到红色或深棕色都有。

为什么我们需要耳垢？

耳垢有许多重要的作用。它能滋润耳道皮肤，防止耳朵干燥发痒。它还含有抗感染的特殊化学物质，起到保护层的作用，保护耳膜。

耳垢会造成阻塞吗？

大多数人的耳垢会自然地从耳道中掉出来，在我们洗澡时被冲走。由于耳道不断产生耳垢，皮肤总是得到滋润和保护。然而，有时耳垢堆积过多，会导致耳痛和轻度听力丧失。最好去看医生，医生可以为你开些滴耳药或者安全地清除耳垢。

使用耳塞只会将耳垢推得更深，并可能导致耳膜堵塞或受损。

（英语原文选自：mocomi.com）

【Notes】

1. earwax [■] n. 耳垢;耳屎

2. secretion [■] n. 分泌;分泌物

3. gland [■] n. 腺

4. canal [■] n. 管道

5. mammal [■] n. 哺乳動物

6. flaky [■] adj. 薄片的;薄而易剥落的

7. moisturize [■] vt. 使湿润

8. itchy [■] adj. 发痒的

9. infection [■] n. 感染

10. blockage [■] n. 堵塞

11. mild [■] adj. 轻微的