Cerumen is an oily, fatty substance produced by the ceruminous glands in the outer portion of the ear canal. This compound is commonly referred to as ear wax and, together with hairs in the auditory canal, helps prevent foreign objects from reaching the delicate eardrum. Dust, dirt, bacteria, fungi, and other foreign dangers to the body all stick to the wax and do not enter the ear. Ear wax also contains a special enzyme, lysozyme, which breaks down the cell walls of bacteria.