Question

One of the problems with the old method of using cotton earplugs is cerumen. Cerumen is also detrimental to some of the modern earplugs. What is cerumen?

A) Ear canal hair cells
B) Earwax
C) Fluids secreted by the cochlea
D) Secretions of the hypothalamus

Answer 1

Cerumen is commonly known as earwax, a protective substance produced in the outer ear canal with a mixture of glycerol esters, cholesterol, and phospholipids, which can be detrimental to earplugs if it accumulates excessively.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cerumen, commonly known as earwax, is the correct answer to the question regarding its detrimental effect on earplugs. Earwax is a protective substance produced in the outer ear canal that consists of various substances, including glycerol esters, cholesterol, and phospholipids.

Its primary function is to protect the ear canal from bacteria, fungi, and water. However, an excess of cerumen can lead to blockage and potentially cause hearing loss. Therefore, the answer to the question is B) Earwax.