What is Earwax?
Understanding cerumen—the waxy substance your ears produce—and why it's actually good for you.
Earwax—or cerumen, to give it its proper medical name—is one of those bodily substances that most of us would rather not think about. But here's the thing: it's actually doing you a favour. Your ears produce wax for very good reasons.
What Exactly is Earwax Made Of?
Earwax is a mixture of secretions from two types of glands in your ear canal: sebaceous glands (which produce oils) and ceruminous glands (which produce the waxy component). Mixed in with these secretions are dead skin cells and tiny hairs.
The colour and consistency varies from person to person. It can range from light yellow to dark brown, and from wet and sticky to dry and flaky. Interestingly, the type you have is genetically determined.
Protection
Creates a barrier against bacteria, fungi, and foreign particles
Lubrication
Keeps the ear canal moisturised and prevents dryness
Self-Cleaning
Traps dust and debris, moving it out naturally
When Earwax Becomes a Problem
For most people, the ear's self-cleaning mechanism works perfectly. However, sometimes earwax can build up and cause problems. This might happen if you produce more wax than average, have narrow ear canals, wear hearing aids, or have been pushing wax deeper with cotton buds.
When earwax builds up and blocks the ear canal, it can cause symptoms like muffled hearing, tinnitus, earache, dizziness, or a feeling of fullness in the ear. If you're experiencing these symptoms, professional removal can provide quick relief.