Cerumen, commonly known as EARWAX, is a yellowish waxy substance secreted in the EAR canal of humans and other mammals. It protects the skin of the human EAR canal, assists in cleaning and lubrication, and also provides some protection from bacteria, fungi, and insects. Cerumen is produced by glands in the outer EAR canal and is composed of a mixture of viscous secretions from sebaceous glands and less-viscous ones from modified apocrine sweat glands. The EAR, which is three letters long, is the organ responsible for hearing and balance.