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Earwax is not really dirt that needs cleaning. Its medical name is cerumen, and it is a protective secretion produced by the ear itself.
What earwax does
- It keeps the skin of the ear canal moisturised.
- It traps dust and foreign particles.
- It contributes to the natural defence against germs.
Your ear cleans itself
The skin of the ear canal slowly migrates outwards, helped by jaw movements, and earwax is gradually carried out on its own.
Why cotton swabs can be a problem
We often think we are cleaning our ears with a cotton swab, but most of the time we are pushing the wax deeper rather than removing it. Sometimes the canal becomes completely blocked and hearing can be reduced.
When should earwax be removed?
Not every bit of earwax you see needs to be removed. If it causes blockage, reduced hearing or other symptoms, it is removed during an examination with an appropriate method. Wiping the outer ear with a towel after a shower is usually enough.
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