The earwax purpose dilemma; three reasons to leave earwax alone

By Ryan Dawn Umadhay / Jan 17, 2017 12:36 AM EST
(Photo : Getty Images/Cancan Chu) A traditional Chinese ear cleaner performs a cleaning service for a client at a tea house in Chengdu, Sichuan Province of China.

Earwax is traditionally removed with the use of cotton swabs and other techniques for cleaner ear. However, experts are now advising against the removal of the earwax because of their important role in the body.

Normal Body Function

The human body natural produces earwax and it has a specific and very important purpose. According to a report by CNN, earwax is the body's natural defense against outside elements that could end up inside the ear. Dusts and other small particles get stuck instead of getting into the inner ear section.

Earwax is practically a wall manufactured by the body to prevent anything foreign from coming in. Destroying it means letting everything in including particles that could deal great damage to the ear.

Preventing Buildup

Disrupting a body function could cause some adverse effects in the long run and earwax buildup is no different. While the purpose of earwax is to prevent anything foreign from getting in, disrupting its production could mean trouble.

Earwax is made up of the body's dead skin cells and cerumen - released in order to keep the earwax moist. According to Prevention, disrupting the bodily process earwax production could trigger the body to produce more than needed. Eventually, it will become a viscous cycle where extensive inner ear cleanup maybe required.

Speaking of cleanup, using Q-tip to clean the inner ear is also dangerous. Cleaning the inner ear could push the earwax further and normal cleanup methods are no longer effective.

Proper Ear Clean-up

Removing the earwax is practically disrupting the body from protecting itself from outside infections. Because of its importance, the inner ear should be left alone and the practice cleaning only the outer area of the ear should be cared for. Anything inside that ear that cannot be seen by the naked eye should be left alone.