Quick answer
We have earwax because it protects the ear canal. It traps dust, dirt and other small particles, keeps the skin lining the canal lubricated and helps guard against germs. Earwax is made of secretions from glands in the ear canal mixed with dead skin cells, and it slowly moves out of the ear on its own. That is why the NHS says it normally falls out without help and does not need to be removed unless it causes symptoms.
Earwax has a bad reputation. It is the thing we scrape off, wipe away and wince at. But biologically it is a sensible bit of design, and knowing what it does makes it easier to decide when to intervene (rarely) and when to leave it well alone (usually).
What is earwax made of?
Earwax, known medically as cerumen, is a mixture. Glands in the outer part of the ear canal release oily and waxy secretions. These blend with dead skin cells and tiny particles that drift in, such as dust and fibres.
That is why it comes in different colours and textures. Fresh wax tends to be pale and soft; older wax is darker and firmer. If you want the full picture, see our guide to earwax colours and what they mean.
What does earwax do?
Earwax is not waste. It has several jobs.
It catches debris
The ear canal is a dead end with a small opening to the world. Wax is sticky enough to trap dust, dirt and particles before they travel further towards the eardrum.
It protects the skin
The skin inside the ear canal is thin and delicate. Wax coats it and keeps it lubricated. Without enough wax, the canal can feel dry and itchy, which is one reason trying to make your ears completely wax-free is not a helpful goal.
It helps defend against germs
The NHS says earwax is there to protect your ears from dirt and germs. Wax also makes the canal a less welcoming place for bacteria and fungi, though the details vary and are still studied.
How ears clean themselves
Here is the elegant part. Wax does not just pile up. It slowly moves outward. Harvard Health describes how the oily substance made by cells lining the canal mixes with dead skin and debris, and the mixture slowly moves out of the ear. Everyday jaw movements, such as chewing and talking, are thought to help it along.
By the time old wax reaches the opening, it has often dried and flakes away, or it gets washed off with a flannel. A small amount of wax at the entrance is a sign that the system is working, not a sign that you are grubby.
Is earwax good for you?
In moderation, yes. It is part of a working system, not a problem to solve. The trouble comes with too much, or wax that gets stuck.
- Too much wax can build up and block the canal. The NHS lists narrow or damaged ear canals, lots of hair in the ear canals, scalp or ear skin conditions and inflammation of the canal as causes. Wearing hearing aids or earplugs can also get in the way of wax leaving the ear.
- Wax pushed in by cotton buds, fingers or other objects is one of the commonest ways a blockage begins. See are cotton buds bad for your ears.
- Too little wax because of over-cleaning can leave the canal dry and irritated.
Four earwax myths
"Wax means my ears are dirty." No. Wax is part of the ear's own defence system.
"My ears should be wax-free." They should not. Aim for comfortable ears and normal hearing, not an empty canal.
"Dark wax means poor hygiene." No. It usually means the wax is older.
"The more I clean, the healthier my ears." The opposite is often true. Over-cleaning irritates the canal and can push wax inwards. Our guide to how often you should clean your ears explains why less is usually more.
So what should you actually do about earwax?
For most people: nothing, apart from washing the outside of the ear with a damp flannel.
If you have visible wax at the opening that bothers you, you can wipe it away or lift it with a soft tool made for the outer ear, such as the Meravie Sticky Ear Cleaner. It works only on wax you can see, and it stays at the outer ear, so it does not interfere with how the ear looks after itself further in.
If your ears feel blocked, muffled or painful, that is a different situation. The NHS says to see a pharmacist, and to see a nurse at your GP surgery if symptoms have not cleared after 5 days. Our guide to removing ear wax at home explains the options.
Safety first
The Meravie Sticky Ear Cleaner is for adults, and for children with adult supervision, on visible wax on the outer ear only. Never put it in the ear canal. Do not use it if you have ear pain, discharge, a perforated eardrum, ear tubes or a history of ear surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Why do we have earwax?
To protect the ear canal. Wax traps dust and debris, lubricates the skin lining the canal and helps guard against germs.
What is earwax made of?
Secretions from glands in the ear canal mixed with dead skin cells and small particles such as dust.
Is earwax good for you?
Yes, in normal amounts. It is part of the ear's natural defences. Problems arise when wax builds up and blocks the canal or when it is pushed in.
Do you need to remove earwax?
Usually not. The NHS says earwax normally falls out on its own. Harvard Health says that if wax is not causing trouble, you do not need to do anything about it.
Can you have too little earwax?
Yes. Without enough wax the skin in the canal can become dry and itchy. Over-cleaning can contribute to this.
The Meravie Sticky Ear Cleaner is a consumer ear-care product for adults, and for children with adult supervision, made for visible wax on the outer ear only. It is not a medical device and is not intended to diagnose or treat impacted earwax, ear infections or hearing loss. If you have ear pain, discharge, sudden hearing loss, dizziness, a perforated eardrum, grommets or have had ear surgery, speak to your GP, pharmacist or audiologist.