Earwax helps keep germs and dirt out of your ears. Its medical name is cerumen, and it forms in the outer ear canal as a mixture of secretions from ceruminous and sebaceous glands, along with dead skin cells and hair.
Earwax works as both a physical and chemical defense. Its sticky texture traps dust, dirt, and other particles before they can travel deeper toward the eardrum. It also contains fatty acids, lysozyme, and other substances that can inhibit some bacteria and fungi. Its mildly acidic environment adds to this protective effect.
Earwax also lubricates and waterproofs the ear canal, preventing the skin from becoming dry and irritated. The ear is largely self-cleaning: movements from chewing and speaking help carry old wax and trapped debris outward toward the opening.
A common mistake is assuming that all earwax should be removed. In most cases, it naturally leaves the ear on its own, and inserting cotton swabs can push it deeper or injure the canal. Excess wax can occasionally become impacted and affect hearing, in which case a healthcare professional can remove it safely.