What is earwax, anyway? What does it do? Let’s talk about earwax, its function in your ear, what color it is and what that means.
What Is Earwax?
Earwax, also called cerumen, is a substance in the ear canal that hydrates, protects and cleans the ear canal. It functions as a natural barrier to keep dirt, germs and other invaders away from your inner ear and eardrum.
Earwax isn’t actually wax, though it does have a sticky, waxy texture, which is where it got its name. Instead, it’s made of antimicrobial proteins and an oily substance called sebum. Sebum and these proteins are produced by glands in your ear, and they combine and pick up dirt, dead skin cells and other microscopic debris in the ear to create the earwax you recognize.
Is Earwax Bad?
Not at all! On the contrary, your ear needs earwax to decrease the risk of physical damage and infection. Earwax only becomes problematic if it causes a hearing impairment, such as tinnitus or hearing loss, due to impaction.
What Does the Color of Earwax Mean?
Healthy earwax ranges in color from yellow to brown. If you have any of the following colors, no cause for alarm, and here’s what it might mean:
- Yellow and sticky means the earwax is new and healthy.
- Orange or light brown is also healthy earwax, but it’s a little older. The darker color indicates that it’s trapped more debris.
- Dark brown is older, and it might be flakier and drier than newer earwax. This is what you’ll most likely find at the ear opening as the ear sheds it to make more.
If your earwax is one of these colors, it might indicate something is the matter and you should call a healthcare professional:
- Green earwax could mean you have an ear infection. It could be runny in texture or cloudy.
- Red-tinged is usually a sign of injury within the ear, such as a scratch in the ear canal or a ruptured eardrum.
- Black indicates an earwax blockage or a foreign object in the ear.
How Often Should I Clean My Ears?
It is actually not recommended to use cotton swabs like Q-tips to clean your ears. Your ear will shed earwax naturally, letting it fall out bit by bit. Turning your head and working your jaw naturally and gradually moves the earwax out. You can use a damp washcloth around the ear’s opening and wipe away the recently shed earwax, but cotton swabs are unnecessary. In fact, using a cotton swab will push the earwax further into the ear, which can lead to earwax blockage or impaction. Impacted earwax can cause hearing loss, so avoid using cotton swabs on your ears.
A physician can remove excess earwax in the event of blockage using irrigation or ear syringing. Talk to your healthcare provider first to make sure this is a necessary step. Call Decibel Hearing Services for more information or to make an appointment.