Earwax: Nature's Protective Coating for Your Ears

According to experts, most people do not need to actively remove their earwax, as it serves important protective functions. Earwax acts as a waterproofing agent and has antimicrobial properties, helping to prevent outer ear infections. It also lubricates the ears, preventing the area from feeling dry and itchy.

The body has a natural system for creating and pushing out earwax as we go about our daily lives. As we chew and talk, the skin in the ear canal moves, pushing the wax outwards. Interfering with this natural process by using cotton swabs or other tools can actually push the wax deeper into the ear, leading to blockages and potential infections.

Experts strongly advise against using cotton swabs or other objects to clean the inside of the ears. This practice can scratch the delicate ear canal and even puncture the eardrum. Instead, they recommend simply letting the normal showering and hair washing process clean the outer ear area, and using a wet washcloth to gently wipe away any wax that has already made its way out.

For those who do experience issues with excessive or hardened earwax, medical professionals can safely remove it using specialized tools and solutions. But for most people, the best approach is to let the body's natural self-cleaning system handle earwax removal without interference.