The Science of Earwax: Exploring its Origins, Functions, and Removal

👂Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance produced in our outer ear canals and plays a crucial role in maintaining ear health.

🧬The characteristics of earwax, including its color, consistency, and odor, can vary based on a single nucleotide change in a specific gene that affects the amount of fat secreted by ear sweat glands.

🌍Earwax characteristics can also be linked to a person's ancestry, with drier earwax more common in individuals of East Asian heritage and wetter earwax more common in those of African and European descent.

💡Earwax serves multiple functions, acting as a lubricator, trapping debris and microbes, and providing a line of defense against bacterial infections.

⚠️Attempting to remove earwax at home using swabs or other objects can be harmful, potentially pushing wax deeper into the ear canal, causing scratches, and even leading to eardrum perforation.

What is earwax?

—Earwax, scientifically known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced in our outer ear canals. It is a mixture of dead skin cells, oily sweat, and sebum.

Why does earwax vary in characteristics?

—The characteristics of earwax, such as color, consistency, and odor, can vary based on genetic factors. A single nucleotide change in a specific gene affects the amount of fat secreted by ear sweat glands, resulting in different types of earwax.

Is it safe to remove earwax at home?

—It is generally not recommended to remove earwax at home using swabs or other objects. This can be harmful, potentially pushing wax deeper into the ear canal, causing scratches, and even leading to eardrum perforation. It is best to seek professional assistance if needed.

Can earwax affect hearing?

—Excessive earwax buildup can cause discomfort and affect hearing. In such cases, it is necessary to seek medical intervention to safely remove the blockage.

How can I prevent excessive earwax buildup?

—To prevent excessive earwax buildup, it is advisable to gently clean the outside of the ear canal with a damp cloth. Avoid using earplugs and earbuds excessively and give your ears a break when possible.

00:07Archaeologists discovered toiletry kits, including ear scoops, in a 5,000-year-old Sumerian burial site.

00:40Earwax, technically known as cerumen, is a substance that forms in our outer ear canals, consisting of dead skin cells, oily sweat, and sebum.

01:43Earwax can vary in characteristics, such as odor, color, and consistency, based on genetics and ancestry.

02:36Earwax serves as a lubricator, traps debris and microbes, and provides a line of defense against bacterial infections.

03:50Attempting to remove earwax at home can be harmful, potentially causing scratches and eardrum perforation. It is recommended to seek professional assistance if needed.