How Does Ear Wax Work?

Ear wax has several important roles. Due to the ears being a complex and delicate organs, they need careful maintenance so that they can function as they are supposed to.

Ear wax works by:

  • Helping shield the ear drum from foreign objects
  • Preventing your ears becoming dry and itchy
  • Protecting and lubricating the skin of the ear canal
  • Uses special chemicals that the body produces to help prevent any ear infections
  • Traps any dirt, dust, water and anything else that enters the ear canal and prevents them travelling any further down the ear canal to the ear drum

Ear wax plays a vital role in ensuring good ear health, however, a build up can become problematic and can even affect your overall hearing ability.

The Colour of Ear Wax and its meaning

A lot of information can be obtained from the colour of ear wax. For example, a orange/yellow ear wax colour is a good sign. This is considered normal and healthy. Darken ear wax such as being brown in colour often tells us that the ear wax has been there for some time, likely accumulating debris too.

Factually though, ear wax comes in a variety of colours, some may seem alarming, but isn’t always a bad sign. These include:

  • Black
  • Brown
  • Dark orange
  • Bright orange
  • Yellow
  • Off-white

Ear wax can vary in colour quite drastically and therefore isn’t always an easy indicator if something is wrong.

Nonetheless, any questions over the colour of your ear wax and what it might be a sign of should always be discussed. Whether you book an appointment with your GP or a ear care specialist – especially if your hearing is being affected.

For more information visit – https://deesideearcare.co.uk/prevent-ear-wax-build-up/

Deeside Ear Care
Phone: 07513 821587
Url:
9-11 Inverurie Rd, Bucksburn
Aberdeen, AB21 9LJ