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What Your Earwax Says About Your Health

Earwax might not be the most glamorous topic, but it’s surprisingly important—and can reveal quite a bit about your overall health. That sticky, yellowish substance in your ears isn’t just debris; it plays a vital role in protecting your ear canal and can even offer clues about your wellbeing.

So, what does your earwax say about your health? Let’s dive in!

What Is Earwax, and Why Do We Have It?

Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is produced by glands in the ear canal. It serves several important functions:

Protects the ear by trapping dust, dirt, and small insects.
Lubricates the ear canal to prevent dryness and itching.
Has antibacterial properties that help prevent infections.

Your body naturally pushes earwax out of the ear canal, so you usually don’t need to clean it excessively.

Different Types of Earwax and What They Mean

Earwax comes in various colors, textures, and amounts. Changes in these characteristics can hint at underlying health issues:

1. Color and Consistency

Yellow or light brown, soft: This is normal healthy earwax.
Dark brown or black: Usually older earwax that’s been in the ear for a while. If it’s thick and hard, it might cause blockage or discomfort.
Red or bloody: Could indicate irritation or injury inside the ear canal. Consult a healthcare professional.
White and flaky: Sometimes seen in dry earwax types or conditions like eczema.

2. Amount of Earwax

Too little earwax: May lead to dry, itchy ears or increase the risk of infections.
Excessive earwax buildup: Can cause hearing problems, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or discomfort.

3. Smell

Normal earwax has a mild odor.
Foul-smelling earwax might signal an infection.

What Changes in Earwax Could Indicate About Your Health

Ear Infections

If you experience pain, discharge, or a bad smell along with changes in earwax, you might have an infection that needs treatment.

Skin Conditions

Dry, flaky earwax can be a sign of skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis affecting your ear canal.

Allergies or Irritations

Changes in earwax texture or color can result from allergies, frequent water exposure, or irritation from earphones or hearing aids.