Skip to content
🐣 10% discount with code: PÅSK2026 🐣
Registered healthcare provider – safe and secure
Wide range of MRI and blood tests

Auditory canal

The ear canal is part of the outer ear, it conducts sound from the environment to the eardrum. It also acts as a resonance channel and protects the middle ear from dirt, water and infections.

MR Auditory pathway

MR Auditory pathway

MRI of the pore

4 095 kr

10% discount on testmottagningen.se with the code: PÅSK2026 Health checks for increased well-being

Go to the campaign Browse healthchecks
Trustpilot

Contents

Quick version

What is the ear canal?

The ear canal, also called the external auditory canal (meatus acusticus externus), is a canal that is about 2.5 centimeters long, it connects the outer ear with the eardrum. The outer part of the ear canal consists of cartilage, while the inner part is surrounded by bone.

Function of the ear canal

The main task of the ear canal is to transport sound waves to the eardrum. It naturally amplifies certain frequencies and protects the inner ear from dirt, bacteria and water.

Anatomical structure

The ear canal is divided into two parts. The inner part consists of bone and has thinner skin without hair or glands. The outer third consists of elastic cartilage and is covered by skin with hair and glands that produce earwax.

Earwax and Protection

Earwax (cerumen) is naturally produced in the outer part of the ear canal. It acts as a protection against bacteria, traps dirt and prevents water from entering the eardrum.

Common Problems

The ear canal can be affected by several conditions such as wax plugs, infections or foreign objects. It is important to be careful when cleaning the ear canal because excessive cleaning with cotton swabs can damage the skin and cause irritation or infection.

Examination of the ear canal in case of problems

Examination of the ear is justified in the case of a number of symptoms and conditions that may indicate infection, damage or other disturbances in the anatomy or function of the ears. Ear examinations are primarily performed using an otoscope – an instrument with a light and magnifying lens that allows you to look into the ear canal and eardrum. MRI examination of the ear canal is used to show detailed images of the inner ear, auditory nerve and surrounding structures – something that is not visible with regular otoscopy or X-ray.

Relevant symptoms

  • Hearing loss
  • Itching or irritation
  • Pain in the ear
  • Pressure or fullness
  • Fluid or pus from the ear

Related conditions and diagnoses

  • Wax plug (cerumen)
  • Otitis externa (inflammation of the ear canal)
  • Eczema in the ear canal
  • Foreign body in the ear
  • Ear canal exostosis (bone formation from exposure to cold water)

Questions and answers

The ear canal's main function is to conduct sound waves from the outer ear to the eardrum, thereby making hearing possible. It also serves as protection against dirt and infections.

It is approximately 2.5 centimeters long, it consists of an outer cartilage part and an inner bone part.

Earwax is a natural protective substance that forms in the outer part of the ear canal. Earwax is good and protects the ear against bacteria, traps dust and keeps the skin moist.

Dry skin, eczema, allergies or incipient inflammation (otitis externa) can cause itching in the ear canal. It can also be triggered by excessive cleaning with cotton swabs.

A wax plug is removed by dissolving it with over-the-counter ear drops or by having it flushed out by a healthcare professional. It is not recommended to use cotton swabs to remove wax.

Otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, is an infection of the ear canal that can cause pain, itching, and purulent fluid. It is common in humid environments and after swimming.

Yes, this is possible in the case of, for example, earwax plugs or inflammation that can temporarily impair hearing by blocking the sound's path to the eardrum.

Yes, earplugs can push the wax deeper, irritate the skin and, in the worst case, cause damage to the eardrum. It is better to use ear drops when necessary.

In case of pain, hearing loss or fluid coming from the ear, and if self-care does not help, you should contact a health center or ear doctor for assessment.

Tests related to Auditory canal

MRI examination of organs

MR Auditory pathway

MR Auditory pathway

MRI of the pore
Marker Icon 1 marker
Information

Medical comment included

With us, you will always receive a doctor’s opinion from a licensed physician when you order a medical check-up that includes a medical opinion. The doctor’s opinion includes an overall assessment of your results from laboratory analysis. The opinion is individual and may vary depending on the specific tests your medical check-up includes.

What can I expect in the medical report?

The medical opinion will summarize the results of your test results to give you an assessment of your health including any abnormalities outside the reference ranges. In case of abnormalities or need, your doctor may also contact you for a free conversation to explain and talk about your results. Remember that a health check always includes specific test results based on your health and your personal circumstances. Values outside the reference range should therefore always be discussed with a doctor before any decisions regarding possible treatment are made.

What does the doctor look at during a health check?

When assessing a blood test or health check, your doctor will look at several different parameters to evaluate your health and identify any abnormalities. Below are some common aspects your doctor may examine:

Blood counts: Your doctor will check red, white and platelet counts to identify any signs of anaemia, infection or bleeding.

Nutrients and biochemical markers: Includes, for example, analysis and monitoring of blood sugar (glucose) levels, electrolyte levels (e.g. sodium, potassium), liver function tests (e.g. liver enzymes), kidney function tests (e.g. creatinine, urea) and lipid profile (e.g. cholesterol, triglycerides). The results of the tests give your doctor a better idea of your organ function, blood sugar level, cholesterol conditions and other important health aspects.

Inflammatory markers: Your doctor may measure health markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or red blood cell decrease rate (SR) to evaluate inflammatory conditions or confirm an active infection.

Hormone levels: Your doctor may monitor your hormone levels to assess hormonal imbalances or diseases, such as thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), sex hormones or other specific hormones such as testosterone levels.

Specific tests: Depending on your goal of your health check or medical history, your doctor may look into specific tests to investigate conditions or diseases, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiency or autoimmune diseases.

In conclusion, the doctor weighs all test results based on the health check to assess your overall health, detect any abnormalities and identify possible underlying medical conditions.

What happens if I have abnormal test results?

If your blood count is abnormal, this will be addressed in your personal medical opinion. Depending on the nature and extent of the abnormality, your doctor may also contact you directly through the test result service for further guidance. Various measures and advice will be provided based on the specific abnormalities observed along with your medical history.

Call included

Call included, one of our doctors will contact you.
  • MRI scanning of the inner ear canal and auditory nerve.
  • Recommended for unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus or dizziness.
  • Shows acoustic neuroma, inflammation, nerve pressure or cysts in the area.
  • Referral sent immediately after ordering.

4 095 kr

Cart

The basket is empty.

Hos oss får du tillgång till Sveriges bredaste utbud av blodprov, hälsokontroller och MR – med läkare som alltid granskar dina provsvar.

Select tests
Sampling fee
Total
Sampling fee?

The sample collection fee is a fixed cost that refers to the visit to the clinic where you submit your sample. The fee is not affected by how many tests you have ordered, but varies depending on the order value:

Free sampling fee

For purchases over 1 000 SEK, the sampling fee is included.