Why Do We Have Ear Wax?

Ear wax is also known as cerumen and is secreted by glands in the ear. It's a sticky, yellowish substance found in humans and other mammals, including whales.
The main purpose of ear wax is to act as a barrier to pathogens and protect the lining of the ear canal. It also lubricates and cleans the ear canal.

Protection

• Ear wax is slightly acidic and has both antibacterial and antifungal properties. The thickness also immobilizes dirt and bacteria, preventing it from moving into the inner ear.

Lubrication

• Ear wax has a high lipid (fat) content which keeps the ear canal from drying out. Drying of the canal can lead to itching and burning, which can damage the structure.

Cleaning

• Dirt and skin cells get trapped in the ear wax. The motion of the jaw then moves the ear wax away from the ear drums and out of the ears.

Excess Cerumen

• Excess ear wax can cause conductive hearing loss and interfere with the function of some hearing aids. Because the motion of the jaw cleans the ears, chewing gum is an effective remedy. Softening the ear wax with olive, baby or mineral oil is also effective. Cotton swabs and cotton balls can further impact the ear wax and damage the ear canal and should be avoided at all costs.

Fun Facts

• In medieval times, ear wax was used to prepare pigments to illustrate illuminated manuscripts.
  Whales have an annual buildup of ear wax. The number of layers are counted to determine the whale's age, after death.