Many people think of "ear wax" as something dirty that needs to be removed from the body. Some people take a cotton bud and clean their ears as a daily habit when they go to the bathroom. But did you know that this ear wax is actually a good friend that protects your ears and helps keep them healthy? Today, let's talk about what you need to know about this ear wax, or in medical terms, `(Cerumen)`.
Simply put, what is this garbage?
Earwax is a waxy substance produced by glands in the inner ear, the tube that runs from the ear canal to the eardrum. While many people call it "garbage," it's actually very important to your body.
Think of it like a doormat at your house. The main function of earwax is to protect the skin inside the ear and provide moisture. It also prevents dust, dirt, and germs from entering the ear and damaging the eardrum. All of this happens without you having to do anything. The old earwax is gradually and naturally removed from the ear. At the same time, the body produces new earwax. That's why we always say not to put cotton balls or other objects inside the ear when cleaning your ears. Doing so can only damage your ears.
Did you know that there are two types of earwax?
Yes, there are two main types of earwax. Which type you have is determined by your genetics. That is, it is something you get from your mother and father.
1. Wet earwax: This is the most common type. It is usually soft, sticky, and can be yellow or brown in color. This type is most common among people of European and African descent.
2. Dry earwax: This type is relatively rare. It is dry, flaky, and gray or light brown in color. This type is more common in people of East Asian descent.
The important thing is, no matter which type you have, it's completely normal and healthy. There's no reason to worry about it.
What service does earwax provide to our body?
Earwax is not just a thing. It performs several very important functions.
- Protection from water: The skin inside the ear acts as a waterproof cover. This helps protect the skin inside from damage even if water gets into your ear when you shower or swim.
- Providing moisture: Prevents the skin inside the ear from drying out and becoming itchy.
- Acting as a filter: It traps things like dust and dirt, preventing them from getting inside the ear and damaging the eardrum.
- As an antiseptic: Earwax contains chemicals that protect the ear from bacterial and fungal infections.
- Self-cleaning process: Dead skin cells and other debris inside the ear are gradually removed from the ear.
How does ear wax form?
This earwax is produced by two types of small glands inside the ear.
1. Sebaceous glands: These are connected to small hair follicles inside the ear. These glands secrete an oily substance called `(Sebum)`. This is what keeps the skin of the ear moist and prevents it from drying out.
2. Ceruminous glands: These are modified sweat glands that secrete antimicrobial proteins that protect the ear from germs.
The secretions from these two glands, along with dead skin cells, dust, and hair, form the earwax we see. So it's not just one type of "wax," but a combination of many things.
Can you identify an illness by the color of earwax?
Yes, the color of earwax can usually give some indication of the health of the ear. The color varies depending on the type of earwax and how old it is. Generally, light colors (like light yellow) indicate fresh earwax. Dark colors (like dark brown) indicate old earwax that has accumulated dust and other debris.
However, there are some colors that we should be a little concerned about. In such cases , you should see your doctor immediately.
| Color of earwax | What does that mean? (What it might mean) |
|---|---|
| Off-white, yellow, orange, light brown, dark brown | These are completely healthy and normal colors. Lighter colors are new ears that rot, while darker colors are older ears that rot. Don't worry about this. |
| Be concerned about these colors. | |
| Green | This could be a sign of an ear infection. If there is a foul odor, be sure to see a doctor. |
| Black | This is often caused by a buildup of earwax, which can sometimes be caused by a fungal infection. |
| Brown with red streaks | This means that there is a wound inside the ear with some blood mixed in. If there is fluid draining from the ear at the same time, it could be a sign of a ruptured eardrum. Seek medical advice immediately. |
Do you need to remove earwax?
Usually, no . There is no reason to remove earwax. As I said before, our ears are self-cleaning organs. The body constantly expels old earwax. When we talk, chew food, and move our jaws, this earwax is gradually pushed out of the ear canal.
However, sometimes the earwax can become blocked due to excessive accumulation of wax. This can cause symptoms such as hearing loss, a feeling of heaviness in the ear, itching in the ear, and ringing in the ear. This condition can occur in people who frequently use earphones or hearing aids, or in people who have excessive ear hair.
Never put anything inside your ear, such as cotton swabs, hairpins, pen tips, or keys, for any reason. This can push earwax further in, injure the skin of the ear, or, in the worst case, damage the eardrum.
If you think you have earwax, there are some safe home remedies. But it's best to talk to your doctor before doing any of these things. Sometimes, there are ear drops that you can buy at the pharmacy that soften earwax. But if you have a condition like a perforated eardrum, using these can be dangerous. So, it's best to see a doctor and get checked out.
In most cases, the doctor will safely remove the stuck earwax using special instruments.
Some frequently asked questions
Why does my earwax smell?
Earwax usually has a slight odor. This is caused by the chemicals in it. Just as the smell of sweat varies from person to person, the smell of earwax can vary. This is normal. However, if your ear has a foul, unpleasant odor (such as rotten fish or vinegar) , it could be a sign of an ear infection. In such a case, you should definitely see a doctor.
Why did a lump of earwax suddenly come out of my ear?
This is completely normal and healthy. As the ear cleans itself, old earwax can sometimes come out in small clumps. Most of the time, this will gradually come off when we bathe. But sometimes, it's nothing to worry about if it comes out suddenly.
Why do my ears feel wet?
Most of the time, the sensation of moisture inside the ear is caused by the body making new earwax. When it first forms, earwax is a thin, clear, watery substance. Over time, it thickens and changes color. However, if this moisture is accompanied by other symptoms, such as ear pain, fever, or fluid draining from the ear , it could be a sign of an infection or a ruptured eardrum. If so, see a doctor immediately.
Take-Home Message
- Earwax is not a dirty thing. It is a natural substance that protects your ears and helps keep them healthy.
- Your ear is a self-cleaning organ, so you don't need to clean it often.
- Never insert sharp objects such as cotton swabs, hairpins, or keys into your ear for any reason. This can cause serious damage to your ear.
- If you have ear pain, hearing loss, foul-smelling discharge from the ear, or unusual colored earwax (green, black, bloody), see your doctor immediately.
- If you need to clean your ear, it is enough to wipe only the visible part with a damp cloth.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න