ABOUT EAR WAX

Ear wax is a naturally occurring substance called cerumen that is produced by the sweat glands inside of the outer ear. Its role is to protect the delicate inner ear from foreign particles such as dust and bacteria.

Cerumen is made up from an oily mixture of skin, sebum, and excretions from the ceruminous glands, as well as some skin proteins and fatty acids.

Your body removes ear wax naturally through the movements of the jaw and nasal passages.

However, some people may find their glands produce more ear wax than is necessary. This can lead to a build-up of ear wax in the middle ear. When this occurs, the ear canal can become blocked, which can cause temporary hearing loss and ear ache.