Did you know your ears are actually self cleaning?

Wax is only produced in the first part of the ear canal where the hairs are.

Earwax is primarily produced in the ear canal, specifically by two types of glands:

• Sebaceous Glands:  These glands secrete an oily substance called sebum, which helps lubricate the skin in the ear canal and prevents dryness.
• Ceruminous Glands:  These are modified sweat glands that produce a waxy secretion.  The combination of sebum and cerumen forms earwax.

Composition of Earwax

Earwax is composed of various substances:

• Keratin:  A protein that makes up about 60% of earwax.
• Dead Skin Cells:  These contribute to the overall mass of earwax.
• Fatty Acids and Cholesterol:  These components help give earwax its waxy consistency and protective properties.

The skin lining the ear canal is being constantly shed and this spirals outwards to mix with the wax and then exists the ear.

That process is called the Migratory Process and renders your ear as self-cleaning!

Obviously sometimes this doesn’t always happen and we get a build up of excessive wax. This can be for all sorts of reasons including narrowed or hairy ear canals, older age, the use of hearing aids or ear plugs and even cotton buds.  Anxiety, stress, diet and genetics may also contribute to the problem.

REMEMBER never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear!