Earwax, clinically known as cerumen, is produced by glands in the skin of the outer ear. Everyone produces earwax, but some people produce more than others and this excess wax can harden and block the ear canal. In the process of trying to remove earwax yourself, it is very easy to push the wax further into the ear canal and ultimately cause a blockage. When home treatments don't work, a doctor can remove earwax for you.
Location
Ear wax forms inside the outer ear and can be found along the lining of the ear canal. Wax has a natural tendency to move itself out of the ear, so you may see flakes at the opening of the ear canal and in the outermost part of the ear as well.
Function
Ear wax protects the ear canal and provides a water-resistant barrier. At the same time, it help clean out the ear by trapping minute particles of dirt and other debris that eventually fall out of the ear along with the wax. Ear wax also has antibacterial qualities that help protect the ear against infection.
Types
There are two types of earwax: wet and dry. Wet earwax, which is stickier and brown in color, is more common in Caucasians and African Americans. Dry earwax, which is gray or tan and brittle, is more common in Asians and Native Americans.
Features
Ear wax is an oily, waxy, gray or brown substance composed of dead skin cells and fat. Its lubricating qualities help prevent dry, itchy ears. As old earwax dries up, it becomes flaky and eventually falls out of the ear on its own.
Although people of all ages produce earwax, build-up is most common in older people, people who wear hearing aids and people who clean their ears improperly and push wax back into the ear canal, where it accumulates.
Effects
Ear wax generally goes unnoticed unless it builds up and blocks the ear canal. An impacted ear canal can interfere with hearing and cause pain (earache), ringing or a plugged-up feeling in the ear, especially after a shower or swimming or anytime water gets into your ear.
Prevention/Solution
Home remedies for earwax include wax-softening drops sold without a prescription in drugstores. Alternatively, you can use an eye dropper to put a few drops of olive oil, baby oil or mineral oil in your ear to soften and help loosen the wax. You can also use a bulb syringe sold specifically for this purpose to irrigate your ear canal with plain water or a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide. If you have symptoms of earwax that don't disappear after using these treatments, or if you have a chronic problem with earwax build-up, see your physician.
Warning
Do not stick anything besides a washcloth into your ear in an attempt to clean out wax. Small articles such as cotton swabs and bobby pins can damage the ear canal, cause infection or perforate the ear drum. Pain and discharge from the ear may be signs of a perforated ear drum. Call your physician if you feel any pain in your ear.
