Ear Wax

Medical Author: James K. Bredenkamp, MD, FACS
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, JR, MD, FACP, FACR
Medical Revising Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Revising Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD

• What is ear wax?
• When should ear wax be removed?
• Is it OK to use Q-tips?

What is ear wax?

The skin on the outer part of the ear canal has special glands that produce ear wax, also known as cerumen. The purpose of this natural wax is to protect the ear from damage and infections. Usually a small amount of wax accumulates and then dries up and falls out of the ear canal, carrying with it unwanted dust or sand particles. Ear wax is helpful in normal amounts and serves to coat the skin of the ear canal where it acts as a temporary water repellent. The absence of ear wax may result in dry, itchy ears, and even infection. Cerumen may vary in form and appearance. It may be almost liquid, or firm and solid. The color of ear wax can also vary depending upon its composition. Glandular secretions, sloughed skin cells, normal bacteria present on the surface of the canal, and water may all be present in ear wax.

Most of the time the ear canals are self-cleaning; that is, there is a slow and orderly migration of the skin lining the ear canal from the eardrum to the outer opening of the ear. Old earwax is constantly being transported from the deeper areas of the ear canal out to the opening where it usually dries, flakes, and falls out.

Next: When should ear wax be removed? »

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