What is normal earwax?

This is an automatically translated article.

Earwax is one of the products of the excretory system. Based on the signs of earwax, it is possible to determine the patient's pathology. So what is normal earwax?

1. Where does earwax come from?

Earwax, scientifically known as cerumen, is secreted and stored on the skin of the outer ear canal. It's made of mucus, dead cells, dirt, and sweat in the ear canal. Then, under the action of the villi on the glandular cell surface, the earwax is pushed out into the external ear canal. Earwax will dry on its own and peel off in the outer ear. This process will continue continuously inside the ear canal, one layer of earwax will replace the other earwax layer.
Due to being pushed out by the ear canal to block the opening of the ear, earwax has the effect of creating a shield to prevent bacteria, insects, dirt, ... from entering the ear canal. From there, protect the ears from bacteria, fungal spores. At the same time, earwax also helps sound waves to be transmitted more easily.

2. Characteristics of normal earwax

Earwax is made up of cholesterol and fat, so it is normally yellow in color and slightly sticky. Depending on the health of the body, earwax can change color, texture and smell.
Earwax can be dry or wet. This property depends on geographical characteristics, diet, living environment, age, activity of ear wax glands, genetics,... Besides, in some people earwax forms scabs. This is not a sign of a serious disease but just a manifestation of the aging state of the body, which is common in the elderly. As such, these are all normal manifestations of earwax.

3. Diseases related to the manifestation of earwax

3.1 Earwax is wetter than usual and has a bad smell Earwax with a bad smell is one of the common manifestations of otitis media. At this time, the ear is experiencing problems such as infection and damage and needs to be treated right away before it progresses to chronic otitis media. In addition, if there are unusual symptoms such as ringing in the ears, fullness of the ears, difficulty hearing, sometimes hearing a ringing in the head, loss of balance, etc., the patient should go to the doctor immediately because that is a sign. Warning signs of a problem in the middle ear.
3.2 Watery earwax, green like pus If the earwax is wet, even if the ear is watery when active, it could be sweat flowing into the ear or when bathing water overflows into the ear. In the case of doing nothing but the earwax is still watery or the earwax is green, the earwax is dark yellow like pus, then the patient may have an infection in the ear, it is necessary to go for examination and treatment soon.
3.3 Earwax mixed with dried blood It is possible that during the earwax removal process, the waxing device has rubbed with the epidermis inside the ear canal and caused the ear to be scratched and mixed with blood. Sometimes, this sign is not merely an injury to the inner surface of the ear, but may be due to a perforation of the eardrum. Therefore, if you see earwax and dry blood for a long time, you should go to the doctor soon to avoid the risk of hearing loss.

3.4 Too much earwax Is too much earwax good? In fact, earwax is produced according to the needs of the brain and is meant to prevent bacteria from attacking the ear canal. If there is a lot of earwax, it means that the brain stimulates the production of earwax to serve the needs of protecting the ear canal.
People who are constantly stressed, have ear defects or sweaty bodies, etc. also produce a lot of earwax. When feeling that the ear has a lot of wax and other abnormal symptoms in the ear, the patient should go to the doctor for early treatment to avoid dangerous complications.
3.5 Suddenly no earwax If no more earwax is found, the patient needs special attention, because it is possible that there is an accumulation of keratin in the ear canal. The cause of this condition is because the mechanism of removing earwax is stopped. Instead of being pushed out, earwax stays in the ear canal, accumulating into a hard plug and causing a blockage. Symptoms that patients may experience are fever, pain in the ear or swelling of the ear if there is too much earwax accumulation.
At this time, the patient should not remove the earwax by himself, but need the help of a specialist.

3.6 Unusual colors of earwax The color of earwax is also a sign of abnormalities in the ear. You should rely on the color status to better understand your problem.
Gray: If the earwax is gray, wet and sticky, it is dirt that was removed with the earwax. However, if the earwax is gray, dry, and accompanied by an itchy sensation, it could be a warning sign of eczema. Pale yellow: Light yellow earwax is common in children under 8 years of age. However, if an adult has light yellow earwax, this is a sign of a mild vitamin B deficiency Dark brown: If the earwax is dark brown and sticky, it may be due to excessive sweating. or a sign of high blood pressure, high cholesterol Dark brown, thick wall: This is a sign that the body is having hormone problems due to stress and anxiety.

4. Instructions on how to clean your ears safely

Sometimes, earwax moves out too much, forming a hard plug near the eardrum and needs to be removed. How to safely remove earwax as follows:
Do not put any sharp objects such as pencil tips, pins, paper clips, ... into the ear because it can tear the eardrum. Also, do not use cotton swabs or fingers to clean your ears (as this can push the wax deeper, blocking the eardrum) The correct way is to put an earwax softener solution (such as oxygenated water). , mineral oil or glycerin or specialized ear cleaners). Put 1-2 drops of the solution in each ear. The solution will soften the earwax. After the earwax has softened, prepare a bowl of warm water about 37°C, use a tool to gently pump warm water into the ear, tilt your head to one side to let the wax out naturally, and then gently wipe it clean. Be careful not to use cotton swabs or towels to rub your ears vigorously. Attention: Do not wash your ears often. People with a lot of earwax should only wash their ears once a month.
Earwax works to prevent bacteria and dirt from entering deep into the ear canal. The color and properties of earwax can also reveal about a person's health status. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention if earwax shows abnormal signs and go to the doctor immediately to detect and treat the disease early.
It is best when you notice that earwax has unusual colors, you should go to reputable medical facilities to be checked by a doctor and have specific advice on your current condition. Besides, the patient should not be subjective, because if left for a long time, it can affect hearing.
Vinmec International General Hospital, which gathers leading experts and doctors at home and abroad, with high professional qualifications, good skills, always enthusiastic, dedicated and wholeheartedly for the benefit of patients . The system of equipment ensures modern, optimal support for diagnosis and treatment to bring the best results for patients.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.