When it comes to the sticky world of ear wax, many people assume that less is better, often cleaning and scrubbing the insides of their ears to remove all remnants of the waxy substance. Unfortunately, this habit may actually harm your ears, which need the wax for protection. Understanding specific facts about wax inside your ears can help you learn what's normal, what's not and how best to care for your ears.
Significance
Openings in your body -- including your ears -- provide entry for disease or infections to attack your body. Wax inside your ears keeps bacteria and other small particles, such as dust and fungi, from coming in contact with your inner ear. According to Dr. P. Thomas Riley, director of the Student Health Center at Mary Washington University, wax also waterproofs and protects the skin lining the ear canals.
Types
Your body may produce one of two different types of ear wax: wet or dry. Genetics play an important role in determining the type of ear wax you have. According to Dr. Riley, wet ear wax often occurs in Western European countries, while the dry wax occurs frequently in Asia. In addition to consistency, your ear wax may also vary in color from pale orange to light brown to dark brown, depending on various factors, such as your age and the amount of foreign particles present in the wax.
Cleaning
Ear wax generally sloughs off the skin in your ear canals and works its way to the outer ear, where you can swipe it away with a clean cloth or tissue. Never attempt to clean wax from your ear canals with sharp or pointed items, such as pen caps, cotton swabs or hair pins. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAOHNS), items such as these tend to push hardened wax further back into your ears, which may cause complications, such as a perforated eardrum.
Problems
According to the AAOHNS, ear wax is one of the most frequent causes of hearing loss. Excessive wax may accumulate in your ear canal for a variety of reasons, including age, improper cleaning procedures and the shape of your ear canal. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), this wax may harden and lodge in your ear canal, causing a condition known as cerumen impaction, which occurs more frequently in older people, special-needs individuals and children.
Prevention/Solution
If you develop symptoms of compacted ear wax, such as a gradual loss of hearing, an itchy ear canal or a feeling of fullness in your ear, consider instilling several liquid drops into your ear once or twice daily to soften the wax. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), liquids approved for use in softening hardened ear wax include baby oil, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide and mineral oil. Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience serious symptoms such as ear pain or pus-filled discharge with compacted wax, as they may indicate serious problems, such as a perforated eardrum.
