Earwax is usually not a popular subject with many people, but this waxy substance plays an important role. Also known as cerumen, earwax is produced by the sebaceous gland in the ear canal and helps lubricate, clean, and protect the lining of the ear canal. Earwax helps trap dirt, dust, and other debris from reaching the eardrum. As well as, helps prevent water, bacteria, fungi, and even insects from causing harm. But there are some things to know about cerumen, about earwax, that may help you appreciate this waxy aspect of your body, and may help you pinpoint when there is a problem. Reading more about these helpful earwax facts may even help you stay on top of your health.
Earwax Fact #1: What is Earwax Made Of?
Consisting of mainly shed layers of skin, earwax is 60% keratin and also composed of unsaturated and saturated long-chain fatty acids, squalene, alcohols, and cholesterol. Earwax contains roughly 6-9% of cholesterol and 12-20% of alcohol, squalene, and long-chain fatty acids.
Earwax Facts #2: The Colors of Earwax and What It Indicates
Knowing more about the colors of earwax can help you distinguish if your earwax is normal and healthy, or if it’s indicating a potential health problem.
Normal Earwax Colors
Off white to yellow: Fresh earwax.
Yellow to orange: Fresh earwax.
Darker orange: Sticky, flaky earwax, or older earwax that has picked up debris.
Orange to brown: Thick, sticky, or very old earwax.
Pale orange: Dry, old earwax.
Abnormal Earwax Colors
Yellow to green: Runny, pus discharge caused by an ear infection.
Green: Significant ear infection present. You might also notice a foul smell from the ear.
Gray: Dust or particle buildup in the ear.
Black: Impacted earwax.
Streaks of blood in wax: Indicates an injury in the ear canal. If wet and runny, it is an indicator of a ruptured eardrum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is primarily composed of shed layers of skin and about 60% keratin. It also contains unsaturated and saturated long-chain fatty acids, squalene, alcohols, and roughly 6-9% cholesterol along with 12-20% alcohol, squalene, and fatty acids. This composition helps protect and lubricate the ear canal.
Earwax lubricates and cleans the ear canal by trapping dirt, dust, and debris, preventing them from reaching the delicate eardrum. It also protects the ear by preventing water, bacteria, fungi, and even insects from causing harm, which helps maintain overall ear health and function.
Earwax color can range from off-white to yellow or orange, which is considered normal and healthy, with variations indicating fresh or older earwax. Abnormal colors like yellow to green or green suggest ear infections, gray implies dust buildup, black indicates impacted earwax, and streaks of blood may signal ear canal injury or a ruptured eardrum.
You should be concerned if your earwax is yellow to green with a runny pus discharge, green with a foul smell indicating infection, black suggesting impaction, or shows blood streaks that may point to injury or ruptured eardrum. In these cases, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
Black earwax typically indicates impacted earwax, which means it has hardened and clogged the ear canal. This can cause discomfort, hearing difficulties, or even infection if not addressed properly by a healthcare professional.
Yes, blood streaks in earwax can indicate injury to the ear canal or, if the discharge is wet and runny, may suggest a ruptured eardrum. These conditions require prompt medical assessment to prevent further complications.
Earwax can be dry or sticky depending on its age and debris content. Dry, pale orange wax usually indicates older earwax, while sticky or thick earwax tends to be darker orange or brown. These variations are normal unless associated with infection signs or discomfort.