Article by Hearing Partners, contributed by Nur Huda Saidin, Clinical Audiologist at Hearing Partners
Earwax, also known as cerumen, plays a crucial role in protecting and maintaining hygiene in the ear canal. It acts as a lubricant and prevents impurities like dust, hair and dirt from accumulating in the ears. It also repels water and inhibits the growth of fungi and bacteria thanks to its acidic nature.
The colour and consistency of each person’s earwax will vary from individual to individual. This article will explore the different earwax colours (such as red or black earwax) and consistencies, address frequently asked questions about this topic, and when you should be concerned about your earwax.
Earwax Consistency: Wet vs Dry Earwax
Earwax consistency varies according to each individual and can be dry, wet or watery. Interestingly, whether you have dry or wet earwax is genetically determined! We’ll examine each type more closely below.
Wet earwax
Wet earwax, with a viscous and sticky consistency, is commonly found among Europeans and Africans, and it can also occur after activities such as swimming or diving. However, it’s important to distinguish this from watery earwax, which may indicate underlying issues or injuries.
Dry or flaky earwax
Dry earwax is often found among Southeast Asians and Native Americans. Such earwax has a dry and brittle consistency. Flaky earwax can also be a sign of issues such as eczema or an ear infection. If you experience itching or inflammation alongside flaky earwax, please consult your Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor to see if treatment is needed.
Watery earwax
Watery earwax can stem from various causes such as ear infections, a ruptured eardrum or a cholesteatoma (a skin growth in the ear canal). In these situations, the watery earwax usually represents drainage from the ear and is sometimes accompanied by blood or unpleasant odours.
It’s important to distinguish earwax from discharge. If you suspect you’re experiencing any of the conditions mentioned above, we recommend seeking medical advice from an ENT doctor.
Earwax Colours
The colour of earwax varies from person to person, typically ranging from yellow or orange to light brown. If you notice any sudden changes in the colour or consistency of your earwax, it could be a sign of issues such as an ear infection.
These are some earwax colours and what they mean:
Very dark brown or black earwax
Prolonged exposure to air and oxidation can cause earwax to darken. Very dark brown or black earwax typically indicates a buildup that has remained in the ear for an extended period.
If you have earwax of this colour, you may need to visit a General Practitioner (GP) or an ENT specialist for earwax removal, depending on the severity of the buildup. Impacted earwax can lead to further complications such as ear infections, tinnitus or hearing loss.
Red earwax
Red earwax could indicate the presence of blood in the ear. This could result from a scratch on the ear canal or an ear infection, but it may also signal a more serious issue, such as a ruptured eardrum. Dark red earwax could also indicate the presence of dried blood from a previous injury to the ear.
If you’re worried that your ear may be bleeding, it’s best to have your ears checked by an ENT specialist. If the issue persists or you experience dizziness or hearing loss, do seek prompt medical attention.
Green earwax
Green or yellowish-green earwax is typically a sign of an outer or middle ear infection. Earwax of this colour is usually accompanied by an unpleasant odour.
Off-white earwax
Individuals with dry or flaky skin in their ear canal could produce earwax of this colour. Possible causes would be certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Yellow, orange or brown earwax
Earwax generally ranges from yellow to orange to light brown, and this spectrum of colours is considered normal.
FAQs About Earwax
When should I see a doctor about my earwax?
You should see an ENT doctor if you notice the following about your earwax or ears:
- Change in the normal colour or texture of your earwax
- Blood in your earwax
- Earwax with an unpleasant odour
- Discharge from your ear
- Hearing loss or fullness in the ear
Should I clean my ears to remove the earwax?
There is no need to remove earwax from your ears regularly. Earwax is a natural occurrence, and regular cleaning is not required.
Insertion of tools into the ear canal to remove wax carries the risk of injury to the sensitive skin of the ear canal, increasing the risk of further infection. Doing so can also push earwax deeper into the ear canal, potentially causing a blockage.
For most individuals, our ears are naturally self-cleaning. With the regular flushing with water that occurs when we shower and the movement of our jaw, our earwax is dislodged and removed from the ear naturally. In some cases, if you have a naturally narrower ear canal or have an excessive production of earwax, you would need to make regular appointments to have the earwax removed manually.
If you think you have a buildup of earwax, it’s best to seek help from a GP or ENT specialist for safe removal using the appropriate procedures and tools.
Nur Huda Binti Saidin is a Clinical Audiologist at Hearing Partners. She has a Bachelor of Health Science with Honours (Audiology) from the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). She is experienced in conducting hearing tests for adults and children and managing tinnitus and vertigo.