What Is Earwax? Learn More About Ear Wax With Puri Pharmacy
Earwax might not be something you think about daily, but it plays an essential role in keeping your ears healthy. While it protects the ear canal, too much earwax can cause blockages, discomfort, and even temporary hearing loss. Ignoring earwax buildup can lead to complications, including infections and persistent hearing issues.
At Puri Pharmacy in Southall and Hillingdon, we offer professional earwax removal using microsuction, ensuring safe, effective, and pain-free treatment. Our experienced team is here to help you maintain optimal ear health, whether you’re dealing with minor discomfort or a significant blockage.
Read on to discover what earwax is, why it builds up, and when to seek professional removal.
What is Earwax?
Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands inside your ear canal. It acts as a protective barrier, trapping dust, bacteria, and debris to prevent infections and irritation. The body’s natural cleaning process usually moves earwax to the outer ear, where it dries up and falls out. However, when this process is disrupted, buildup occurs, requiring intervention.
Earwax also plays a role in moisturizing the ear canal, preventing dryness and itching, which can be pretty uncomfortable. Doing so creates a hostile environment for bacteria and fungi, reducing the risk of infections.
What Are the Two Types of Earwax?
There are two types of earwax, and which one you have is determined by genetics:
- Wet earwax — Sticky, yellow or brown, and shared in African and European populations. It has a higher lipid content, giving it its characteristic sticky texture.
- Dry earwax is flaky and light-coloured and is more common in East Asian populations. This type lacks the wetness of its counterpart and often crumbles easily.
While the type of earwax you have doesn’t typically affect your ear health, excess buildup can lead to discomfort, infections, and hearing issues. Regular monitoring and proper ear care can help prevent these problems.
Function
What Does Earwax Do?
Despite being misunderstood, earwax is essential for healthy ears. Its primary functions include:
✔️ Protecting the ear canal traps dirt, bacteria, and debris, preventing these from reaching the inner ear, where they could cause harm.
✔️ Moisturizing the ear — Prevents dryness, itching, and irritation, which are common issues when earwax is absent or minimal.
✔️ Acting as a natural defence system — Contains antibacterial properties to fend off potential infections.
✔️ Helping with self-cleaning — The movement of jaw muscles (chewing, talking) helps earwax naturally exit the ear.
💡 Did you know? Your ears are self-cleaning! In most cases, earwax naturally moves independently out of the ear. However, factors like ear shape, overproduction, and external interference (like using cotton swabs) can disrupt this process, leading to buildup.
Anatomy
Where Does Earwax Come From?
Earwax is produced by specialized glands inside the ear canal. These glands, called ceruminous and sebaceous glands, create a mixture of oils, sweat, dead skin cells, and debris—all of which combine to form earwax. This natural blend keeps the ear canal lubricated and clean.
What is Earwax Made Of?
Earwax is composed of:
- Fatty acids, cholesterol, and oils moisturize the ear canal and create a barrier against water and microbes.
- Keratin and dead skin cells — Give earwax its texture and help it capture dust and debris effectively.
- Antimicrobial compounds — Help fight infections and maintain ear health.
What Color is Earwax?
Earwax colour varies based on age, environment, and health:
🟡 Light yellow — Fresh, normal earwax, indicating healthy production.
🟠 Dark yellow to brown — Older, oxidized earwax, often seen when wax has been in the ear canal for longer.
🔴 Reddish or black — May indicate old blood, possibly from minor irritation or injury (not always a concern, but worth monitoring).
🟢 Green or foul-smelling — This could be a sign of infection and should be evaluated by a professional.
If you notice sudden changes in earwax colour, texture, or an unpleasant smell, book a professional earwax check at Puri Pharmacy.
Conditions and Disorders
What Happens if I Have Excessive Earwax?
Although earwax naturally clears out of the ear, buildup can occur, leading to blockage and discomfort.
Symptoms of Earwax Blockage
🚩 Muffled hearing or hearing loss — A common symptom when wax blocks the ear canal.
🚩 Ear pain or pressure — Due to trapped wax pressing against the eardrum.
🚩 Feeling of fullness in the ear — Can be pretty uncomfortable and affect balance.
🚩 Ringing in the ear (tinnitus) — A constant or intermittent ringing sound.
🚩 Dizziness or balance issues — Resulting from pressure on the inner ear.
Professional earwax removal can restore hearing and comfort if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
📍 Book your private earwax removal at Puri Pharmacy today! Click here to book.
Care
Should Earwax Be Removed?
In most cases, earwax should be left alone. However, removal is necessary if you have symptoms of blockage.
🚫 Avoid cotton swabs (Q-tips) — They push wax deeper, causing impaction and increasing the risk of damage to the ear canal or eardrum.
🚫 Avoid ear candles — They are dangerous and ineffective, with risks including burns and further ear blockage.
Instead, opt for professional microsuction earwax removal for a safe, painless solution.
Managing Earwax Build-Up
✔️ Avoid Cotton Ear Buds — They can worsen the problem by compacting the wax.
✔️ Use Ear Drops — Soften wax before professional removal, smoothing the process.
✔️ Maintain Ear Hygiene — Wipe the outer ear gently with a damp cloth to prevent excessive buildup.
✔️ Seek Professional Removal — If you have discomfort, hearing loss, or impacted wax.
📍 Need professional earwax removal? Book at Puri Pharmacy today! Click here.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
📞 Seek professional earwax removal if you experience:
- Sudden or severe hearing loss
- Ear pain or discomfort
- Discharge or foul-smelling earwax
- Dizziness or balance issues
At Puri Pharmacy, we offer safe and professional microsuction earwax removal in Southall and Hillingdon.
Book Your Earwax Removal Today!
Don’t let earwax buildup affect your hearing and comfort. At Puri Pharmacy, our expert team offers safe, effective, and painless microsuction earwax removal.
🔹 Quick & safe procedure
🔹 No appointment necessary
🔹 Performed by trained professionals
📍 Find us in Southall & Hillingdon – Book your appointment today!
