Earwax is not just a dirty powder or lump, but a bodily secretion that plays an important role. Many people think earwax is dirty and try to remove it indiscriminately, but this can actually be harmful! Let's learn about the function and role of earwax, as well as proper management methods.

Earwax, function and role... is it really necessary?

Earwax is not simply waste, but acts as a protective barrier against external bacteria and moisture in the external auditory canal. Earwax is rich in the antibacterial substance lysozyme, which prevents bacterial invasion and also regulates moisture absorption. In this way, earwax is a precious existence that protects the health of the ears.

Many people use cotton swabs or their fingers to pick their ears when foreign objects enter their ears. However, excessive ear picking can injure the external auditory canal or eardrum, leading to risks such as otitis externa and eardrum damage. Experts also advise that it is safe to leave earwax alone.

Earwax removal, dangerous if excessive

It is especially dangerous to pick your ears with a cotton swab after showering or swimming when your ears are wet. Ears exposed to water are prone to mold and bacteria growth. In such situations, picking your ears with a cotton swab removes the protective barrier of the external auditory canal, weakens the skin and makes inflammation easier to occur. Ear canal injuries caused by excessive ear picking can also cause bacterial infection.

Safe removal after consultation with a specialist

Experts say that it is good to let earwax drain naturally, but if you feel any discomfort, it is a good idea to gently wipe the outside of the ear canal with a damp cloth or cotton swab.

Regularly clean around the auricle with a damp cloth or cotton swab, and use earwax dissolving products. If earwax builds up to the point that your ears are blocked and you experience ringing in your ears or a stuffy feeling, it is wise to visit an ENT specialist and remove it safely after consultation.

Different earwax characteristics for each person

It is also an interesting fact that the characteristics of earwax differ from person to person. There is a difference in wet/dry earwax between East Asians and Westerners, which is due to genetic factors. The majority of East Asians have dry earwax, while Westerners have moist earwax. This difference is caused by a 'dry earwax' mutation that appeared in East Asian ancestors millions of years ago.

Tip for earwax drainage

Earwax is normally discharged naturally from the body, so there is no need to remove it deliberately. However, you can use natural oils to soften the earwax and induce drainage. After soaking with mineral oil, baby oil, etc., wait for the earwax to gradually drain out. However, excessive ear picking can stimulate earwax production, so be careful.

In our bodies, the ears play an important role in not only hearing but also balance. For healthy ear care, it is necessary to drain earwax naturally rather than excessively picking ears. Earwax produced by the body is a gift of nature for our ears. It is important to recognize its precious value and manage it properly rather than removing it indiscriminately because of prejudice against it being unclean.