What is commonly known as earwax?

Earwax is commonly known as cerumen. This substance is produced by glands in the outer ear canal and serves several important functions. It helps to protect the ear from dust, microorganisms, and foreign particles, while also keeping the skin in the ear canal moisturized to prevent irritation or infection. Cerumen plays a vital role in maintaining ear health and contributes to the overall auditory system's functionality.

The other terms refer to different concepts related to hearing and ear health. Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss, primarily affecting older adults. Ototoxins are substances that can cause damage to the inner ear, leading to hearing loss or balance issues. Tinnitus is characterized by the perception of noise or ringing in the ears that is not caused by external sound. Each of these terms relates to auditory health, but cerumen specifically refers to earwax.