Why Is Ear Wax A Good Thing? -

Doctor Joe Griffith, doctor of audiology and the owner of Accessible Hearing Aids would like to explain to you why ear wax is a good thing.

Ear wax (cerumen) is a good thing because it acts as a vital, natural protective mechanism for your ear canal, acting as a moisturizer, antibacterial agent, and filter.

According to guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, experts strongly discourage twirling cotton-tipped swabs in the ears. Here’s why.

1. Ear Wax is unnecessary

The ear is self-cleaning. No routine maintenance is required. If you’re inserting swabs into your ears to remove earwax or prevent its buildup, think again. Earwax is produced within the ear canal and naturally migrates from deeper inside to outside. There are exceptions, of course. Some people make more than the average amount of earwax, and for others (especially older adults) it becomes harder and drier than usual. Even in these situations, inserting a swab inside the ear is not the answer. More on this in a moment.

2. It may be harmful

Inserting a cotton tipped swab (or anything else) into the ear can damage the ear canal or eardrum, or push earwax farther into the canal, making it harder to remove. This may cause a feeling of pressure in the ear and diminished hearing. Even worse, clumps of earwax pushed down near the eardrum can lead to painful ear infections.

3. Earwax is not a sign of poor hygiene

Here’s where there seems to be some misunderstanding. Earwax — the medical term is “cerumen” — is there for good reasons. Among other things, cerumen:

It prevents infections by trapping dirt, dust, and microorganisms while lubricating the skin to prevent dryness and irritation.

Ear wax has a protective function. Often it can indicate the state of your health. Basically, ear wax has three functions: