Discover the best and safest ways for ear wax removal at home and when to see a doctor. Learn how to prevent buildup and avoid damage to your ears. Causes Of Earwax Buildup Earwax is a sticky substance that is made up of dead skin cells, and sweat mixed with dirt, and contains oil. The sweat glands in the skin of the human external auditory canal, together with sebaceous glands, produce ear wax . It has lubricating and self-cleaning agents with protective, emollient, and bactericidal properties. Ear wax build-up can be due to: Failure to self-clear because of slow skin migration Putting small things like cotton buds, hairpins, headphones ... Your ear canal produces a waxy oil commonly known as earwax . This wax protects the ear from dust, foreign particles, and microorganisms. How do you treat a buildup or blockage? Earwax also contains dead skin cells and hair. [3] Excess or compacted cerumen is the buildup of ear wax causing a blockage in the ear canal [2] and it can press against the eardrum or block the outside ear canal or hearing aids, potentially causing hearing loss.
