Ear wax

Earwax (cerumen) is made by glands in the outer part of the ear canal and helps maintain a healthy ear. The purpose of this sticky substance is to act as a shield to prevent dust, dirt and other substances from entering the ear canal. Earwax also helps maintain the ear canal's acid balance and protect the ears from infection. Fresh earwax is soft and yellow while older earwax is brown or black, even resembling blood. The wax may also be dry, appearing white and flaky. Every day or two, earwax may be noticeable at the opening of the ear canal. If left alone, the wax will fall out or may be cleaned safely from the outer ear with a soft washcloth.

Some people's ears produce an excessive amount of earwax or do not self clean very well which causes a build-up of earwax. Hearing aid users must be alert to a build-up of earwax, because the earmold of a hearing aid acts like a dam, preventing the wax from moving out of the ear canal. A major cause of hearing aid problems is earwax plugging the hearing aid. If excess earwax gathers in the ear canal, it acts like an earplug, blocking sound vibrations entering the ear and causing a hearing loss.

An ear can also get plugged up with earwax when fingers or objects are used to clean the ear canal. The finger or object may push earwax deeper into the ear canal and compact it. The inner portion of the ear canal lacks oil glands, so the compacted earwax is no longer coated with oil and hardens. This may cause a sudden loss of hearing or ear pain. In such situations, a healthcare provider should remove earwax. Removal of an earwax blockage will reverse the hearing loss and pain that it has caused.

Never try to remove earwax yourself with any type of instrument, such as a cotton tipped swab, car key, bobby pin, toothpick or high- pressure water spray. Such tools often cause injury to the ear canal and can perforate the eardrum. They may dislodge the small bones in the middle ear behind the eardrum. They can even damage the inner ear, causing permanent hearing loss.

A healthcare provider can teach you to safely remove earwax buildup. But, it is important to be examined first to be sure it is not a different problem. Because the inner ear is so delicate and can be easily damaged, hardened wax should only be removed by a healthcare provider. They may recommend the use of a wax-removal medication if earwax buildup is a frequent problem.

If you are concerned about excessive earwax or a change in hearing sensitivity, contact your provider.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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