Almost all of us have a habit of cleaning our ears every week, even every day. However, some studies suggest that we should not clean our earwax. So what exactly is the right way to deal with earwax? Should you clean earwax regularly, and when should you do it? Let’s delve into this topic together!
What is Earwax?
Earwax is a naturally occurring substance produced to protect the ear canal. It is NOT a sign of poor hygiene or dirtiness. This substance is formed from various compounds residing in the ear canal rather than in the eardrum as commonly thought. The outer ear canal, which is about 3 cm long, is connected to glands that produce a lubricating substance, also known as earwax. Sweat glands also produce a wax-like substance, known as cerumen. These substances mix with dead skin cells and various other materials like dirt, makeup, forming the earwax buildup we often see.
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There are two types of earwax: wet, sticky, and yellow or brown in color; the second type is dry, crumbly, lighter in color, ranging from gray to light brown and yellow.
This wax-like substance can have any color within the spectrum from light orange to dark brown. In adults, they tend to be harder and darker, while in children, they are usually lighter in color and have a softer wax-like consistency.
What Does the Color of Earwax Indicate? Dark brown or black: It may have been stored in the ear for a long time (meaning it has accumulated more dirt, germs, bacteria, and possibly even insects). Dark brown with a hint of red: You may have suffered an injury inside the ear, and the blood may have stained it. Lighter color (from light brown to orange or yellow): It means you have healthy and normal earwax.
Why Do We Need Earwax?
The question of whether to clean earwax or not is a common concern. The ears continuously produce earwax, so ideally, you should maintain an appropriate amount in your ear canal. One fact is that if you have too little of this substance in your ear, your ears may become dry and itchy. That’s because they help protect the ears and provide lubrication with the following functions:
Preventing bacteria, germs, and dirt from entering your sensitive ear canal. The waxy substance creates traps to squeeze bacteria and germs and prevent them from thriving. Earwax also prevents the overgrowth of bacteria and germs and prevents infection in the ear. Clearing dirt and limiting the growth of bacteria. Dirt falling into the ear canal sticks to earwax, helping the ear canal from getting irritated and infected. Preventing bugs and insects from falling deep into the ear.
Should You Clean Earwax Regularly?
Do not clean earwax regularly unless necessary! The ear canal has a self-cleaning mechanism, and this wax-like substance can clean itself. Ideally, you don’t need to clean your ear canal. If there is too much earwax in your ear, it will naturally fall out of your ear canal as the cells migrate naturally. Earwax also gets removed from the ear canal when you move your jaw by talking and chewing. When it reaches the outer ear canal, it will naturally fall out when you shower.
However, many people mistakenly believe that regular ear cleaning is necessary to maintain personal hygiene. In fact, many have attempted to remove them with cotton swabs, hairpins, and various other tools. This can cause ear damage, discomfort, and even temporary hearing loss. These tools only push the wax deeper and may completely block the ear canal.
When Should You Clean Earwax?
You should clean earwax if there is too much in your ear canal. Symptoms of excessive earwax in the ear canal include:
Earache, feeling of fullness, or plugged-up sensation in the ear; Partial hearing loss (may be reversible); Ringing or buzzing in the ear; Itching, odor, or discharge; If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor for proper ear cleaning methods. You should not use cotton swabs or other tools to do this yourself.
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Earwax is not a sign of dirty or unclean ears. In fact, they are beneficial to your ears with excellent functions. Therefore, you should not clean your ears on your own and only remove them when this wax-like substance is excessive and causing the above-mentioned symptoms!