Earwax, also known as cerumen, is secreted by the skin glands in the external ear canal. It mainly serves to lubricate and protect the ears and prevent infection. However, if you suddenly notice an increase in earwax or experience severe pain, you may have an ear infection and should seek medical attention immediately.

This article explains the causes of earwax and how to clean it properly, helping you determine whether your earwax is normal.

What Is the Cause of Earwax?

The production of earwax is a natural physiological process. Earwax is a mixture of oil secreted by the ceruminous glands in the external ear canal and waxy substances secreted by the sebaceous glands, combined with skin cells shed from the outside and dust. Earwax is produced as a result of the ear's self-protective needs.

It acts as a natural barrier in the ear canal and is an important part of the self-cleaning system. Its main functions are to lubricate the ear canal, inhibit bacteria, block foreign objects, and prevent ear canal infections. If you notice an increase in earwax, it may be due to the following reasons:

Genetic factors: Narrow or curved ear canals, or excessive hair growth, which can obstruct the natural drainage of earwax

Age-related changes: Older individuals tend to have drier earwax, which is more prone to accumulation

Poor habits: Frequent use of cotton swabs or ear picks to clean the ears, prolonged use of headphones, hearing aids, or earplugs, etc.

Environmental or health factors: Dry or humid air can affect the viscosity of earwax, stress or anxiety may stimulate excessive secretion from the glands, and skin conditions can lead to increased flaking in the ear canal.

When Should Earwax Be Cleaned?

Earwax typically does not require regular cleaning, as the ears have a self-cleaning function. When is it necessary to clean your ears? You can assess this based on the earwax condition :

Normal Earwax

Colour: Light yellow, amber, or light brown. Wet earwax is sticky, while dry earwax forms flakes.

Quantity: Small amounts with no odour, and no blockage of the ear canal.

Symptoms: No ear pain, hearing loss, or tinnitus.

Abnormal Earwax

Colour abnormalities: Black earwax may indicate old buildup; green earwax may indicate an infection risk.

Textural changes: Hardened earwax or earwax plugs, overly viscous or watery consistency.

Symptoms: Itching, pain, or swelling in the ear canal. Hearing loss, sensation of ear blockage, or tinnitus. Unpleasant odour or increased discharge from the ear.

If the earwax condition is normal, simply perform regular checks on the ears and use safe ear cleaning tools and methods to remove excess earwax. If the earwax condition appears abnormal, seek assistance from a doctor or other professional promptly.

How Often Should I Clean My Earwax?

In most cases, we don't need to clean our ears very often because our ears are self-cleaning and earwax is naturally expelled from the ear with movements such as chewing or talking, and cleaning too often can strip the ear canal of its natural protective oils, leading to dryness or irritation. Simply check your ears every 1-3 months to make sure there is no excessive build-up of earwax in the ear canal.

You should clean your ears when you notice symptoms such as fullness, earache or hearing loss, as these symptoms may indicate that earwax has built up.

How to Clean Earwax Scientifically?

If you need to clean your ears, it is important to do so properly. Using the wrong method can cause further damage. Here are some ways to clean your ears scientifically:

Use ear drops: Over-the-counter ear drops or natural oils such as olive oil can help soften and break down earwax. Put a few drops in your ear canal. Let them sit for a few minutes. Then, tilt your head back and let the earwax flow out with the drops.

Use a ball syringe: After softening the earwax, you can use a ball syringe to gently rinse the ear with warm water. Be careful not to insert the syringe too deeply into the ear canal.

Use an earwax cleaning tool: If you want to remove earwax more accurately, you can use an earwax cleaning tool with a built-in camera like the Bebird EarSight Pro, which lets you see the inside of your ear canal on your phone's screen, removing earwax accurately and reducing the risk of it being pushed deeper.

Consult a professional: If the build-up of earwax is significant, or you're not sure if you can clean it yourself, it's advisable to seek the help of a doctor or audiologist who can safely remove it using specialised instruments.

Things to Keep in Mind When Cleaning Earwax

Don't over-clean: Over-cleaning can lead to irritation, dryness, and even infection of the ear canal. In some cases, it can lead to clogged earwax, making it more difficult to remove. Therefore, you should avoid cleaning your ears too often.

Avoid cotton swabs: Although they are commonly used to clean ears, cotton swabs can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, causing clogging. They can also scratch or otherwise damage the sensitive skin inside the ear.

Use professional, safe cleaning tools: When cleaning earwax, it is important to use the proper tools. Many people use cotton swabs or other household items for ear cleaning, but these methods may damage the ear canal or push earwax deeper into the ear, exacerbating the problem. Therefore, choosing a qualified earwax cleaning tool is key to ensuring healthy ears.

Be gentle: Ear canals are delicate, so be gentle when cleaning them. Excessive force or the forceful insertion of objects into the ear can result in damage to the eardrum or ear canal. This can lead to infections or long-term hearing problems.

The Best Product for Cleaning Earwax

Bebird is a brand dedicated to innovative ear care products, committed to providing users with a safe and convenient ear cleaning experience. With cutting-edge technology and exceptional design, the product is equipped with a high-definition camera and multiple cleaning probes, not only ensuring precise and efficient cleaning but also meeting the diverse cleaning needs of different ears.

Bebird EarSight Plus

Bebird EarSight Plus is a smart, safe, and effective ear camera cleaner equipped with a high-definition visual camera and multiple cleaning probes to meet a variety of ear cleaning needs. It is suitable for the whole family, providing you and your loved ones with a safer and more efficient ear cleaning experience.

Key Features:

High-definition visual camera: Real-time viewing of the inner ear canal, precise identification of earwax locations, ensuring thorough cleaning with no blind spots.

Soft silicone probes: Multiple silicone probes of different shapes, suitable for cleaning various ear canal types.

All-in-one examination kit: Includes various probe styles and an ENT examination kit. It can simultaneously check the health of your ears, nose, and throat, safeguarding your overall health.

Bebird EarSight Complete Smart Ear Cleaner

The Bebird EarSight Complete Smart Ear Cleaner uses professional camera anti-shake technology and is equipped with a high-definition camera. This earwax cleaner tool is designed for all ages, from the elderly to children, and can achieve professional-level cleaning results at home.

Key Features:

10MP Visual Camera + Anti Shake Technology: Captures high-definition details inside the ear canal, providing smooth and stable images, ensuring a safe and precise earwax removal process, even for children.

Dual-function ear spoon and tweezers: Equipped with medical-grade tools and replaceable soft/hard dual-use ear spoons, suitable for both oily and dry earwax, ensuring a clean and efficient cleaning process.

Smart visual ear drop guidance: Provides real-time guidance for ear drop application, suitable for treating earwax buildup, infections, or relieving itching.

Wireless app control: Easily connect to your phone via WiFi to view, record, and share images/videos, enabling home monitoring and safe cleaning.

Family-friendly design: Suitable for all ages, featuring customizable ear tip ends and equipped with child safety features, ensuring the entire family can enjoy a gentle yet effective cleaning experience.

Conclusion

Earwax is a natural substance in the human body that protects and maintains the health of the ear. It helps trap dirt, dust, and bacteria; however, excessive buildup can lead to discomfort, hearing loss, and infection. To maintain ear health, we need to use safe and scientific methods and tools to clean earwax.

Related reading：

A Guide to Gauge Sizes for Ears: What You Need to Know

How to Avoid Itching When Wearing Hearing Aid Domes?