Hearsay About Earwax

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by the glands in the ear canal. It is a mixture of dead skin cells, oils, and sweat that helps to protect and lubricate the ear canal. While earwax is necessary for healthy ears, there are many misconceptions about it.

One common hearsay about earwax is that it needs to be removed regularly to prevent hearing loss. However, this is not true. In fact, removing earwax too often or improperly can lead to more ear problems, such as irritation, infection, and even hearing loss.

Another hearsay is that earwax color and texture can indicate a person’s health status. While the color and texture of earwax can vary from person to person, it does not necessarily reflect their health status. In rare cases, very dark or unusually colored earwax may indicate a health issue, but this is not common.

It is important to note that while earwax can cause discomfort and hearing problems when it builds up, it is typically not a serious condition. It is usually best to let the earwax naturally migrate out of the ear canal or seek medical advice from a healthcare professional if there are concerns.