Earwax (also called cerumen) is one of the most common topics people ask about in clinic—and for good reason. It can be annoying, sometimes uncomfortable, and there is a lot of misinformation about it. The key thing to know is this: earwax is not “dirt” that falls into your ear. It is something your ear makes on purpose, and most of the time it is doing an important job.
What is earwax?
Earwax is a natural mixture of oily secretions produced inside the ear canal and shed skin cells (dead skin). These oily substances come from glands in the outer part of the ear canal. Many of these glands are essentially modified sweat glands, and when their secretions combine with skin cells, they form wax. Therefore, wax varies from person to person—some people produce more, some less, and it can be wet and sticky or dry and flaky depending on genetics and environment.
To understand where it comes from, it helps to know the ear canal’s structure. The ear canal is usually only about 6-7 mm in diameter and 25-30 mm long. It has two main sections: the outer cartilaginous portion (roughly the outer third to half) and the deeper bony portion (closer to the eardrum). The wax-producing glands live in the outer, cartilaginous part, which is generally more robust and less sensitive than the bony section.
Why do I have earwax?
Earwax has several important functions: Lubrication: It keeps the skin of the ear canal moisturised, helping prevent dryness, cracking, and itchiness.
Protection: Wax traps dust, dirt, debris, and even small insects—acting as a barrier so these do not reach and irritate deeper structures.
Infection prevention: Earwax has antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce the risk of some ear infections.
Self-cleaning support: Wax is part of the ear’s natural “conveyor belt” cleaning system.
One of the most fascinating features of the ear is that the skin lining the ear canal slowly migrates outward, from the deeper canal toward the opening. As it moves, it carries wax and trapped debris out with it. That is why, during showers or daily life, tiny amounts of wax often exit naturally without you noticing.
Why does wax sometimes build up?
Sometimes the self-cleaning mechanism does not work efficiently. Common reasons include producing a lot of wax, narrow or bendy ear canals, dry or hard wax, using hearing aids/earplugs that block natural migration, skin conditions (like eczema), or using cotton buds which can push wax deeper and compact it.
How do I best get rid of it?
For most people, the best approach is to do very little—the ear usually self-cleans. If wax is causing blockage symptoms (fullness, reduced hearing, tinnitus, discomfort), safer options include wax-softening ear drops (as advised by a pharmacist or clinician) and arranging professional removal (micro suction or irrigation where appropriate). Avoid cotton buds or probing tools, as these commonly worsen impaction or injure the ear canal. If you have pain, discharge, sudden hearing loss, ear surgery history, grommets, or a perforated eardrum, seek assessment by an audiologist or GP before using drops or flushing.
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