What are the common causes of ear wax build-up. How can you recognize the symptoms of excessive ear wax. What are the safe and effective methods for removing ear wax at home and when should you seek professional help.

Understanding Ear Wax: Its Purpose and Production

Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by the body to protect the ear canal. It serves several important functions:

• Traps dust, debris, and microorganisms
• Lubricates the ear canal
• Has antimicrobial properties
• Helps maintain the pH balance of the ear

The ear canal is lined with specialized glands that secrete cerumen. This waxy substance slowly migrates outward, carrying with it any accumulated debris. In most cases, this self-cleaning process is sufficient to maintain ear health.

The Composition of Ear Wax

Ear wax is composed of various substances, including:

• Sebum (oil produced by sebaceous glands)
• Dead skin cells
• Hair
• Dust and other environmental particles

The color and consistency of ear wax can vary from person to person and may change over time. Typically, it ranges from light yellow to dark brown.

Common Causes of Ear Wax Build-Up

While ear wax production is a normal and beneficial process, excessive accumulation can occur for various reasons:

1. Overproduction of cerumen
2. Narrow or oddly shaped ear canals
3. Excessive use of earbuds or hearing aids
4. Frequent use of cotton swabs, which can push wax deeper into the ear canal
5. Age-related changes in ear wax consistency
6. Certain medical conditions, such as eczema or excessive sweating

Do certain lifestyles or occupations increase the risk of ear wax build-up. Individuals who work in dusty environments or frequently use in-ear devices may be more prone to excessive cerumen accumulation.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Ear Wax Build-Up

Excessive ear wax can lead to various symptoms, including:

• Muffled hearing or partial hearing loss
• Earache or a feeling of fullness in the ear
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Itching or irritation in the ear canal
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Coughing (due to stimulation of the vagus nerve)

Is it possible to have ear wax build-up without any noticeable symptoms. Yes, in some cases, excessive cerumen may not cause obvious discomfort or hearing issues, making regular check-ups with a healthcare professional important for ear health maintenance.

Safe and Effective Home Remedies for Ear Wax Removal

For mild cases of ear wax build-up, several home remedies can be effective:

Softening Agents

Over-the-counter ear drops or natural oils can help soften ear wax, making it easier to remove:

• Mineral oil
• Glycerin
• Baby oil
• Hydrogen peroxide (diluted)
• Commercial ear wax removal drops

How should these softening agents be applied. Tilt your head to the side, apply a few drops into the ear canal, and remain in this position for 5-10 minutes. Repeat this process for several days if necessary.

Irrigation

Gentle irrigation can help flush out softened ear wax:

1. Fill a rubber-bulb syringe with lukewarm water
2. Tilt your head and gently squeeze the bulb to release a steady stream of water into the ear canal
3. Allow the water to drain out, carrying the loosened wax with it
4. Repeat if necessary, but avoid excessive irrigation

Are there any risks associated with home irrigation. While generally safe when done correctly, overzealous irrigation can lead to ear infections or damage to the eardrum. It’s crucial to use only lukewarm water and avoid this method if you have a perforated eardrum or ear tubes.

Professional Ear Wax Removal Techniques

When home remedies are insufficient or unsafe, professional ear wax removal may be necessary. Healthcare providers use various techniques:

Microsuction

This method involves using a small, low-pressure suction device to remove ear wax:

• Highly precise and effective
• Allows the practitioner to visualize the ear canal during the procedure
• Generally comfortable for the patient
• Suitable for those with perforated eardrums or ear tubes

Irrigation

Professional irrigation is similar to home irrigation but uses specialized equipment:

• Controlled water pressure and temperature
• Often combined with pre-treatment using softening agents
• More effective than home irrigation for stubborn wax

Manual Removal

In some cases, healthcare providers may use specialized instruments to manually remove ear wax:

• Curettes or spoons
• Forceps
• Requires direct visualization of the ear canal
• Suitable for hard or impacted wax

How often should one seek professional ear wax removal. The frequency varies depending on individual factors, but annual check-ups are generally recommended for those prone to excessive wax build-up.

Preventing Excessive Ear Wax Accumulation

While ear wax production is a natural process, certain practices can help prevent excessive build-up:

1. Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal, including cotton swabs
2. Use earplugs or custom-fitted ear molds when swimming or exposed to water
3. Clean the outer ear gently with a damp cloth
4. Consider using preventive ear drops if prone to wax build-up
5. Have regular ear check-ups, especially if you use hearing aids

Can dietary changes affect ear wax production. While there’s limited scientific evidence, some believe that increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake and staying well-hydrated may help maintain healthy ear wax consistency.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Ear Wax Issues

While many cases of ear wax build-up can be managed at home, certain situations require professional medical attention:

• Severe or persistent ear pain
• Sudden hearing loss
• Discharge from the ear
• Fever accompanied by ear discomfort
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Tinnitus that doesn’t improve with home remedies
• History of ear surgery or perforated eardrum

How quickly should one seek medical attention for these symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider promptly to rule out more serious conditions and receive appropriate treatment.

The Role of Ear Candles in Ear Wax Removal: Myths and Facts

Ear candling is an alternative method sometimes promoted for ear wax removal. However, it’s important to understand the facts about this practice:

The Process

Ear candling involves placing a hollow candle in the ear canal and lighting the other end. Proponents claim that the heat creates a vacuum that draws out ear wax and other debris.

Effectiveness and Safety Concerns

• No scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of ear candling
• Can cause burns to the face, hair, and ear canal
• Risk of perforating the eardrum
• May push wax further into the ear canal
• Can deposit candle wax in the ear

Are there any situations where ear candling might be beneficial. Despite claims to the contrary, there are no medically recognized benefits to ear candling. Healthcare professionals strongly advise against this practice due to its risks and lack of efficacy.

The Bottom Line on Ear Candling

Given the potential dangers and lack of proven benefits, it’s best to avoid ear candling and opt for safer, medically approved methods of ear wax removal.

Ear Wax and Hearing Aid Users: Special Considerations

Individuals who use hearing aids face unique challenges when it comes to ear wax management:

Increased Risk of Wax Build-Up

• Hearing aids can stimulate increased ear wax production
• The presence of a hearing aid in the ear canal can impede natural wax migration
• Wax can accumulate on hearing aid components, affecting performance

Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular maintenance is crucial for hearing aid users:

1. Clean hearing aids daily according to manufacturer instructions
2. Check for and remove any visible wax on the device
3. Use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from hearing aids overnight
4. Schedule regular professional cleanings for both ears and hearing aids

How often should hearing aid users have their ears checked for wax build-up. It’s generally recommended that hearing aid users have their ears examined every 3-6 months, or more frequently if they’re prone to excessive wax production.

Impact on Hearing Aid Performance

Excessive ear wax can significantly affect hearing aid function:

• Reduced sound quality or volume
• Feedback or whistling sounds
• Intermittent or complete loss of sound
• Potential damage to hearing aid components

By maintaining good ear hygiene and seeking regular professional care, hearing aid users can ensure optimal device performance and ear health.

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persönliche hygieneroutine und -pflege. – ear wax stock-grafiken, -clipart, -cartoons und -symbole

Persönliche Hygieneroutine und -pflege.

Persönliche Hygiene Routine und Pflege. Entfernung von Cerumen, Otitis Behandlung mit Serum medizinischen Tropfen Menschliche Ohren mit Aerophon, Wattestäbchen und Pipette. Gehörschutz. Vektordarstellung.

krankenschwester inspects des patienten ohr mit einem auroscope – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Krankenschwester inspects des Patienten Ohr mit einem auroscope

Die Krankenschwester inspiziert das Ohr des Patienten mit einem Auroskop – das Trommelfell ist auf dem Bild zu sehen – alles klar!

älterer mann mit ohr wurde entfernt – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Älterer Mann mit Ohr wurde entfernt

Älterer kaukasischer Mann ist beim Arzt, um Wachs aus seinem Ohr entfernen zu lassen.

ohrenwachs – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Ohrenwachs

Pickwerkzeug und Ohrenschmalz auf dem Tisch

ohrenschmalz (cerumen) flache vektorillustration im kreislayout mit typ, medizinische infografik – ear wax stock-grafiken, -clipart, -cartoons und -symbole

Ohrenschmalz (Cerumen) flache Vektorillustration im Kreislayout. ..

Ohrenschmalz flache Stil Vektorillustration im Kreislayout mit schwarzer Schrift, weißem Hintergrund, medizinische Infografik, für Gesundheit oder medizinische Handbücher, Websites, Web-Banner Werbung, Bücher, medizinische Wissenschaft Industrie. Ohrenschmalz medizinische Gesundheitsversorgung Vektor Illustration

baumwolltupfer – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Baumwolltupfer

Nahaufnahme einer Frau, die kurz davor ist, ein Wattestäbchen im Ohr zu benutzen.

earwax konzept – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

EarWax Konzept

ohr-waschanlagen – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Ohr-Waschanlagen

Medizinische Ohrwäsche mit Wasser in der Spritze

ein hno-arzt untersucht die ohrmuschel. – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Ein HNO-Arzt untersucht die Ohrmuschel.

um sie ein wenig besser zu hören – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Um Sie ein wenig besser zu hören

Beschnittene Aufnahme einer attraktiven jungen Frau, die ihre Ohren mit einem Wattestäbchen putzt

schöne junge frau hat einen juckreiz im ohr auf weißem hintergrund – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Schöne junge Frau hat einen Juckreiz im Ohr auf weißem. ..

nahaufnahme von doktor hand tropfen ohrentropfen in das patientenohr mit pipette. behandlung von ohrenerkrankungen. krankenversicherungskonzept. – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

NAHAUFNAHME VON DOKTOR HAND TROPFEN OHRENTROPFEN IN DAS…

britische arzt untersuchen senior frau ohr – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Britische Arzt untersuchen senior Frau Ohr

gelbe ohrenschmalz – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Gelbe Ohrenschmalz

grimacing mittelalt mann gräbt in seinem ohr – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Grimacing mittelalt Mann gräbt in seinem Ohr

schöne frau, die ohrkerzenbehandlung erhält. therapeut, der eine ohrenschmalzbehandlung an einem patienten mit candling durchführt. nackte frau erhält ohrenkerzenbehandlung vom masseur – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Schöne Frau, die Ohrkerzenbehandlung erhält. Therapeut, der eine…

Schöne Frau, die Ohrkerzenbehandlung erhält. Therapeut, der eine Ohrenschmalzbehandlung an einem Patienten mit Durchleuchtung durchführt. Nackte Frau erhält Ohrkerzenbehandlung von Masseur

ohrenschmalz entfernen. ohrenschmalz ist ein häufiges problem, das leicht zu behandeln ist. – ear wax stock-grafiken, -clipart, -cartoons und -symbole

Ohrenschmalz entfernen. OHRENSCHMALZ ist ein häufiges Problem,…

junge frauen reinigung ihr ohr oder ohr kommissionierung – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

junge Frauen Reinigung ihr Ohr oder Ohr Kommissionierung

spa-behandlung mit ohrkerzen – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Spa-Behandlung mit Ohrkerzen

ohrenschmalz – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Ohrenschmalz

mann im begriff, seine ohren mit q-tip wattestäbchen zu reinigen. hygiene-essentials-konzept. entfernen von wachs aus dem ohr. – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Mann im Begriff, seine Ohren mit Q-Tip Wattestäbchen zu reinigen.

ohrenschmalz – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Ohrenschmalz

älterer mann, der sein ohr auf wachs untersuchen lässt – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Älterer Mann, der sein Ohr auf Wachs untersuchen lässt

Ein älterer kaukasischer Mann ist beim Arzt, um sein Ohr untersuchen zu lassen, um zu sehen, ob er Wachs in seinem Ohr hat, das entfernt werden muss.

das mikro saug-ohr-gerät es vakuum funktionierendes system ist.
ärzte verwenden vakuumpumpe absaugen der kugelform in gehörgang. abbildung. – ear wax stock-grafiken, -clipart, -cartoons und -symbole

Das Mikro Saug-Ohr-Gerät es Vakuum funktionierendes System ist.
Är

schwarzes wachs im ohr einer katze mit ohrmilben – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

schwarzes Wachs im Ohr einer Katze mit Ohrmilben

dirty baumwolltupfer – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Dirty Baumwolltupfer

nagelknipser pinzette ohrenschmalz reiniger – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Nagelknipser Pinzette Ohrenschmalz Reiniger

gelbe wattestäbchen auf der oberfläche verstreut. – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Gelbe Wattestäbchen auf der Oberfläche verstreut.

Gelbe Wattestäbchen verstreut auf der Oberfläche.

ohr hygiene – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Ohr hygiene

eintauchen in den gehörgang – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Eintauchen in den Gehörgang

Aufnahme einer attraktiven jungen Frau, die ihre Ohren während ihrer Morgenroutine zu Hause mit einem Wattestäbchen putzt

beispiel für ein symbol für menschliche ohr. außenohr ideal für bildung und gesundheit-materialien – ear wax stock-grafiken, -clipart, -cartoons und -symbole

Beispiel für ein Symbol für menschliche Ohr. Außenohr Ideal für…

frau mit ohrenschmalzproblemen – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Frau mit Ohrenschmalzproblemen

ohrenschmalz auf einem wattestäbchen – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Ohrenschmalz auf einem Wattestäbchen

ein hundefriseur reinigt den gehörgang einer katze, die einen haustierzapfen mit einem wattebausch trägt, der um eine pinzette gewickelt ist. in einem tiersalon oder einer tierklinik. – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Ein Hundefriseur reinigt den Gehörgang einer Katze, die einen…

kleinkind klagt ohrenschmerzen an ihre mutter – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Kleinkind klagt Ohrenschmerzen an ihre Mutter

gebrauchte baumwoll-ohrknospen mit ohrenwachs – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Gebrauchte Baumwoll-Ohrknospen mit Ohrenwachs

Gebrauchte Ohrstöpsel aus Baumwolle mit Ohrenschmalz. Selektiver Fokus

arzt inspects des patienten ohr mit einem auroscope – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Arzt inspects des Patienten Ohr mit einem auroscope

krankenschwester inspects des patienten ohr mit einem auroscope – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Krankenschwester inspects des Patienten Ohr mit einem auroscope

Die Krankenschwester inspiziert das Ohr des Patienten mit einem Auroskop – das Trommelfell ist auf dem Bild zu sehen – alles klar!

olivenöl, ohrenschmalz zu erweichen – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Olivenöl, Ohrenschmalz zu erweichen

ohrstäbchen zur reinigung des ohrs. sauberes und schmutziges wattestäbchen. hygiene und gesundheitspflege von wattestäbchen. vektor – ear wax stock-grafiken, -clipart, -cartoons und -symbole

Ohrstäbchen zur Reinigung des Ohrs. Sauberes und schmutziges…

illustration eines niedlichen spielzeugpudelhundes, der sich an den ohren kratzt – ear wax stock-grafiken, -clipart, -cartoons und -symbole

Illustration eines niedlichen Spielzeugpudelhundes, der sich an. ..

ohrenkrankheiten. – ear wax stock-grafiken, -clipart, -cartoons und -symbole

Ohrenkrankheiten.

ohrenhygiene – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Ohrenhygiene

Weiblich mit Baumwolltausch.

nahaufnahme eines mannes, der seinen finger in sein ohr pflückt – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Nahaufnahme eines Mannes, der seinen Finger in sein Ohr pflückt

ohrentropfen kontinuierliche zeichnung mit einer linie. entfernen von ohrenschmalz. prävention von ohrentzündungen. schmerzlinderung. vektorillustration. – ear wax stock-grafiken, -clipart, -cartoons und -symbole

Ohrentropfen kontinuierliche Zeichnung mit einer Linie….

Ohr fällt kontinuierlich eine Linie Zeichnung. Ohrenschmalz entfernen. Vorbeugung von Ohrentzündungen. Schmerzlinderung. Vektorillustration

reinigung seine ohren – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Reinigung seine Ohren

einweg-medizinisches steriles wattestäbchen verschmutzt, gebraucht – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Einweg-medizinisches steriles Wattestäbchen verschmutzt,. ..

kegel zum sauberen ohr – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Kegel zum sauberen Ohr

junge entfernt ohrenschmalz – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Junge entfernt Ohrenschmalz

nahaufnahme eines yellow dry ohrenschmalzes und earpick auf grauem grund – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Nahaufnahme eines Yellow Dry Ohrenschmalzes und Earpick auf…

denken sie daran, sanft zu sein – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Denken Sie daran, sanft zu sein

Aufnahme einer jungen Frau, die ihre Ohren mit einem Wattestäbchen putzt

mikroskopische ansicht von malassezia pachydermatis-zellen von hunden mit ohrinfektion – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Mikroskopische Ansicht von Malassezia pachydermatis-Zellen von…

mikroskopische ansicht von malassezia pachydermatis zellen – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Mikroskopische Ansicht von Malassezia pachydermatis Zellen

ohrenschmalz – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Ohrenschmalz

chinesischer straßenfriseur, der die ohren eines mannes von wachs reinigt, china, 1870er jahre, 19. jahrhundert – ear wax stock-grafiken, -clipart, -cartoons und -symbole

Chinesischer Straßenfriseur, der die Ohren eines Mannes von…

Vintage-Illustration eines chinesischen Straßenfriseurs, der die Ohren eines Mannes aus Wachs putzt, China, 1870er Jahre, 19. Jahrhundert

affe in freier wildbahn – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Affe in freier Wildbahn

handgefertigter bambus-ohrenschmalzentferner auf weißem hintergrund. – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Handgefertigter Bambus-Ohrenschmalzentferner auf weißem…

junger mann dabei, ein wattestäbchen zu verwenden – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

junger Mann dabei, ein Wattestäbchen zu verwenden

älterer bärtiger mann, gräben finger in den ohren – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Älterer bärtiger Mann, Gräben finger in den Ohren

Beschnittene Aufnahme eines bärtigen, reifen Mannes, der den Inhalt seines Ohres mit dem Finger untersucht – eeuuww!

baumwolle bud – ear wax stock-fotos und bilder

Baumwolle bud

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Ear Wax Stock Photos and Images

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Types of ear plugs. Symptoms of sulfur plug formation.

How to understand that there is a sulfur plug in the ear, and how to get rid of it?

Sulfur plug is an excessive accumulation of sulfur gland secretion, which leads to blockage of the ear canal. The very process of earwax formation is a physiologically normal state. But when the amount of sulfur produced increases significantly, this leads to various unpleasant symptoms.

Most often, this problem occurs in children, people who use hearing aids, and who do not properly clean their ears. It is impossible to get rid of the sulfur plug on your own, in this case you only need to consult a doctor.

Causes of sulfur plug formation

The ear secret is necessary for the normal functioning of the hearing organs, it protects against the negative effects of external factors, the ingress of microbes.

Secretory discharge is removed from the ear area spontaneously, most often this occurs when the temporomandibular articular joints move (during talking, chewing, coughing and sneezing). It is enough for a person to regularly wash his ears and wipe all the folds.

But there are certain factors that contribute to the formation of sulfur plug:

1. Physiological features of the structure of the external auditory canal. For example, in children, sulfur plug appears much faster due to the narrow auditory canal.

2. Genetic predisposition. Some people have a more viscous composition of the secretion of the sulfur glands or increased sulfur formation, which is sometimes inherited.

3. The presence of a large amount of hair in the ear canal, which complicates the removal of earwax.

4. Old age, in which the physiological processes in the body change, the secret becomes more viscous.

5. Professional activity. If you work at high or low temperatures, in dusty rooms, then the chances of the formation of a sulfuric plug are greatly increased.

6. High humidity. This is especially true for swimmers and divers. Frequent water ingress into the ears leads to swelling of the volume of sulfur, in addition, conditions of high humidity are formed between the eardrum and the cork, which is great for the reproduction of microbes.

7. Frequent changes in atmospheric pressure. With an increase and decrease in pressure, the tympanic membrane protrudes and retracts, which additionally provokes a compaction of the secret.

8. Constant use of a hearing aid, headphones that simply push wax.

9. Improper hygiene. The use of cotton swabs is not recommended, they increase sulfur formation due to irritation of the skin of the auditory canal, push the sulfur deep into. It is necessary to clean the ears about 2 times a week while taking a shower, blotting the ear washed with water with napkins or a towel, without pushing the finger deep inside.

In no case is it recommended to remove the sulfur plug on your own, as this is dangerous to health. Improper treatment of the ear canal can lead to tissue injury, the development of inflammatory processes.

Types of ear plugs

Sulfur plugs differ in the consistency of sulfur accumulation, they are:

Soft, which were formed relatively recently;

Dense and dry, most often they are hard and have a dark tint.

The density of the sulfur plug directly depends on the duration of the accumulation of secretions in the ear canal. Initially, sulfur has a soft consistency, but over time it becomes compacted.

Symptoms of sulfur plug formation

Unpleasant sensations appear when a significant accumulation of earwax has already occurred, which led to the blockage of the ear canal.

Such an unpleasant condition will be manifested by the following symptoms:

1. Feeling of congestion, regular ringing, tinnitus.

2. Deterioration of hearing acuity.

3. Painful sensations that can occur when the cork begins to compress the eardrum.

4. Headaches, dizziness, lack of coordination.

5. Even a violation of cardiac activity may occur, since the work of the heart muscle is reflexively interconnected with the nerve endings suitable for the ear.

Various inflammatory processes can additionally join unpleasant symptoms – otitis, sinusitis, etc.

How is the wax plug removed?

The ear canal is cleaned from the sulfuric plug mechanically:

The accumulation of earwax is dissolved with special liquids and washed out of the auditory canal, washing is carried out with saline, less often with antiseptics;

It is possible to use a special electric pump, which will help to quickly remove the sulfur plug;

Dry plugs are most often removed with an ear probe.

Even after removal of the sulfur plug, each patient will have to adhere to special recommendations, which are selected individually, based on the specific condition and the presence of complications.

Most often, treatment is supplemented by regular washing of the auditory canal with antiseptic compounds, taking antimicrobial drugs and other physiotherapeutic procedures.

It is important not to postpone a visit to the doctor and in the presence of soreness, ear congestion, immediately make an appointment with the ENT.

If you want to receive quality treatment, then come to the VERA Family Medicine Center. The clinic is attended by qualified doctors who will help you quickly deal with such a problem as sulfuric plug.

How is earwax related to body odour?

Talk about earwax is not often heard. But Atlas experts are not shy about this topic and can tell a lot, because the type of earwax is one of the signs in the Atlas Genetic Test.

In this article we are talking about why a person needs earwax, what its color can tell about health, genes and even body odor. And you will also learn how to properly clean your ears, or rather, not clean them.

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Contents:

• What is earwax and why is it needed
• What is sulfur made of
• Wax types
• What the color of sulfur says
• How to properly care for your ears

Our articles are written with love for evidence-based medicine, but are for informational purposes only. Each case is individual, so you should not replace the article with a face-to-face consultation with a doctor, as well as prescribed diagnostic procedures or treatment.

What is earwax and why is it needed

Earwax is a substance produced by glands in the ear canal. The body uses this substance to keep the ear canal healthy.

Two types of glands are involved in the production of sulfur – sebaceous and ceruminous (modified sweat glands). Whether wet or dry, wax has a simple purpose:

• pollution protection,
• moisturizing,
• infection protection,
• maintaining the correct acidity (pH).

Pollution Protection

Earwax is a natural protective barrier because it traps microscopic dirt (dust and skin flakes) that can otherwise accumulate or penetrate deeper into the sinuses.

Moisturizing

Sulfur lubricates the ear canal, keeping the skin smooth and supple. If the skin inside the ear dries out, itching, peeling may occur. As a result, the risk of infection of the ear canal increases.

Infection protection

Earwax has antimicrobial and antifungal properties and protects the ears from bacterial and fungal infections. One study showed that sulfur from healthy people is effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . These pathogens are the main cause of ear canal infections, such as otitis externa or swimmer’s ear.

Dryness of the ear canal, tropical climates, scuba diving and ear eczema increase the risk of otomycosis. This fungal infection of the ear is most often caused by the yeast Aspergillus, sometimes by fungi of the genus Candida. Research shows that earwax from healthy people can suppress these yeasts and prevent infections.

Maintaining the correct acidity level

The human body uses an acidic environment (pH) to prevent infections. The stomach is an acidic barrier that can kill pathogens; the intestine uses fatty acids for oxidation, making it less susceptible to infectious microorganisms. In the ear, the body uses sulfur to maintain acidity (pH 5.2–7.0), which also helps fight infections.

What is sulfur made of

Earwax contains various substances

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901 Organ ism naturally synthesizes low levels of alcohol esters

Earwax component	Description
Keratin	Protein that makes up skin cells (corneocytes)
Squalene	Oily substance produced only by sebaceous glands
Cholesterol	Fatty waxy substance also used for transporting hormones
Long-chain fatty acids	Part of the outer shell of corneocytes

The sebaceous glands are responsible for the oiliness of sulfur, which also make the hair oily and the face shiny; and the ceruminous glands provide support for the immune system.

According to scientists, there are from 1000 to 2000 ceruminous glands in each ear.

Types of earwax

The composition of human earwax is genetically determined and linked to ethnicity. There are two types of earwax. Wet sulfur contains many lipids that make it thick and sticky. It is more common in people of European and African descent. Dry sulfur is more common in people with East Asian roots.

The type of earwax depends on the ABCC11 gene variant.

The information encoded in the ABCC11 gene determines whether sulfur is wet or dry. Individuals with the AA genotype have dry earwax, while the GA and GG genotypes are associated with the wet type. In some populations, both types are found. Scientists believe that dry earwax is actually a genetic mutation that originated in Asian populations around 2,006 generations ago, which is about 50,000 years ago.

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GA/GG

Genotype	Wax type	Populations
AA	Dry	East Asia
Wet	Europe and Africa

features of your body, you can find out by passing the Atlas Genetic Test.

Dry earwax

East Asians and indigenous peoples of the Americas often dry, gray and flaky, due to an inherited variant of the ABCC11 gene.

This genotype is also responsible for the absence of body odor – people with a dry type of sulfur sweat less. The ancestors of the representatives of the Mongoloid race had to survive in a cold climate. Since the body loses heat when sweating, this adaptation of the body helped to survive in low temperatures.

Dry wax comes out of the ear naturally better than wet wax. This type is an effective protection against ear infections.

In non-Asians, dry scales of earwax may be a sign of eczema or an ear infection.

Wet Wax

Wet Wax is a hereditary trait that determines the honey color and waxy consistency of the wax. The genetic code that determines the wet type of sulfur is also associated with a pronounced body odor.

Wet wax comes out of the ears worse. This raises the possibility that, over time, wax can build up and form wax plug, the most common ear problem in the world. According to studies, about 4% of Russians regularly visit a doctor because of sulfur plugs.

The presence of cerumen is associated with ear pain, hearing problems and itching.

Earwax can be watery for several reasons, but should not be confused with wet earwax. Swimming and scuba diving can cause water to mix with earwax, making it more watery.

However, there are also more serious causes :

• otitis externa,
• middle ear infection,
• damage to the ear canal,
• rupture of the eardrum.

What the color of sulfur says

The color of earwax varies from white-orange-black, and depends on genes, as well as how often you clean your ears. However, sometimes the color of sulfur can be an indicator that you need medical attention.

White and gray earwax (dry)

The dry type of wax often comes out in the form of flakes. However, in some cases, it can also be a sign of an infection or atopic dermatitis (eczema).

Call your doctor if you have white or gray flakes of earwax that are accompanied by itching, inflammation, and pain.

White-yellow-green earwax (wet)

Wet, pale yellow or white earwax may indicate pus in the ear canal. These secretions may be a reaction from your immune system, as ear pus is often a symptom of an ear infection.

Yellow-orange earwax (wet)

This is the color characteristic of the wet type of earwax. Remember to rinse your ears regularly to avoid plugging.

Red earwax

Bright red patches in the earwax are a sign of bleeding. This could be a superficial skin injury or something more serious, such as an infection or a ruptured eardrum.

If there is blood in the earwax, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Reddish brown or dark red earwax is old earwax that has accumulated in the ear canal.

Brown and black wax

Dark or black wax is a sign of oxidation. Simply put, black ear wax is wax that has been in the ear for a very long time, and darkened under the influence of oxygen. Some people are more prone to overproduction of earwax and may need to flush their ears more often.

How to properly care for your ears?

Sulfur is often thought of as dirt and should be disposed of.

In fact, wax protects the ears, and in most cases regularly comes out unaided. Wax plug can be caused by wearing a hearing aid, using deep earplugs, recurring ear infections, and trauma and ear surgery.

In these cases, a doctor should be consulted to deal with the problem of excess sulfur formation or the formation of a sulfur plug.

Excess ear wax is often removed with cotton swabs. This is an unsafe method, as the wand can push the wax deep into the ear. As a result, a sulfur plug is formed. Also, the stick can cause irritation or damage to the ear canal and eardrum.

Do not clean your ears with water or cotton swabs. It is sufficient to rinse the auricle and the entrance area of ​​the ear canal.

More on the influence of genes on personality on the Atlas blog:

• How genes influence eye color
• How DNA determines hair color and shape
• How genes influence the quality of teeth

• Dependence of Deodorant Usage on ABCC11 Genotype: Scope for Personalized Genetics in Personal Hygiene, Santiago Rodriguez et al., 2012
• The impact of natural selection on an ABCC11 SNP determining earwax type, Jun Ohashi, Izumi Naka, Naoyuki Tsuchiya, 2011
• Composition of cerumen lipids, Jeffrey T. Bortz, Philip W. Wertz, D. Donald, T. Downing, 1990
• Human ceruminous gland: ultrastructure and histochemical analysis of antimicrobial and cytoskeletal components, Mechthild Stoeckelhuber et al., 2006
• Knowledge of cerumen and effect of ear self-cleaning among health workers in a tertiary hospital, SM Oladeji, OT Babatunde, LB Babatunde, OA Sogebi, 2015
• Fungal Ear Infection, Dr Laurence Knott, 2017
• Has cerumen a protective role in recurrent external otitis?, Yavuz Selim Pata et al.