Health Facts: Let Ear Wax Do its Job

Here are two lesser-known but important facts about earwax:

1. Natural Protector: Earwax, or cerumen, plays a crucial role in protecting the ear canal. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties, helping to prevent infections. Additionally, earwax traps dust, debris, and foreign particles, preventing them from reaching the eardrum and potentially causing damage.
2. Self-Cleaning Mechanism: The ear has a self-cleaning mechanism facilitated by earwax. As you move your jaw—when talking, chewing, or yawning—earwax naturally migrates out of the ear canal. This movement helps to expel trapped debris and old earwax, making regular cleaning unnecessary for most people. Over-cleaning can disrupt this process and lead to impaction or irritation.