All About Earwax
Earwax Types, Care, and Expert Solutions
At Clear Ear Cheer, we are dedicated to supporting your ear health.
We serve Essex, Suffolk, and the bordering areas of London.
Our clinician uses advanced, gentle techniques including microsuction, irrigation, and manual methods to ensure safe and effective earwax removal.
Earwax, or cerumen, naturally protects, cleans, and lubricates the ear canal. It is essential for ear health, and we are here to help you manage it.
Learn about earwax types, their functions, and the benefits of professional care.
What Is Earwax?
Earwax is a blend of secretions from ceruminous and sebaceous glands, mixed with dead skin cells and debris. It acts as a natural filter, trapping dust, bacteria, and particles to protect your eardrum. Its antibacterial properties also help prevent infections, keeping your ears healthy.
Types of Earwax
Earwax varies in colour, texture, and consistency, influenced by genetics, diet, and environment. There are two main types:
1. Wet Earwax
Appearance: Sticky, golden, or yellowish-brown, resembling honey or caramel.
Common in: Individuals of European or African descent.
Genetics: Linked to a dominant variant of the ABCC11 gene.
Characteristics: Softer and stickier, it may require professional cleaning to prevent buildup and can sometimes have a mild odour.
Fun Fact: Wet earwax is stickier due to higher fat and pigment content.
2. Dry Earwax
Appearance: Flaky, dry, and light-colored, often greyish or pale yellow.
Common in: Individuals of East Asian or Native American descent.
Genetics: Associated with a recessive variant of the ABCC11 gene.
Characteristics: Crumbly and less likely to cause blockages, it often clears naturally.
Fun Fact: Dry earwax is linked to fewer apocrine glands, which also reduces body odour.
Why Does Earwax Vary?
The difference between wet and dry earwax is mainly genetic, linked to the ABCC11 gene, which also influences sweat and body odour. Earwax type is inherited, while diet, climate, and hygiene can affect its production and texture.
When Earwax Becomes a Concern
While earwax is beneficial, excessive buildup can lead to:
Hearing difficulties
Ear discomfort or pain
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Itching or a sensation of fullness
If you experience these symptoms, professional care can help. We assess your ear health and provide tailored solutions.
Safe Earwax Removal
Earwax usually clears naturally, but when it does not, professional intervention is safest. Our approach to earwax management includes:
At home, use over-the-counter ear drops or a warm water rinse with a bulb syringe to soften wax, following instructions carefully. Avoid cotton swabs, as they may push wax deeper and cause impaction.
We provide professional care, including microsuction, irrigation, and manual methods using specialised tools for safe and comfortable wax removal. Our video otoscopy offers a clear view of your ear canal, enabling precise and personalised treatment.
For prevention, clean only the outer ear with a washcloth and avoid inserting objects into the ear canal.
If we identify concerns beyond wax buildup, we use video otoscopy to document findings and refer you to a GP or specialist for further diagnosis and care.
Fun Facts About Earwax
Your earwax is unique, like a fingerprint.
Ears are self-cleaning, as wax naturally migrates out of the canal.
In ancient times, earwax was used medicinally, such as for healing wounds.
Why Choose Clear Ear Cheer?
We are a mobile service providing professional earwax removal in Essex, Suffolk, and the nearby London areas. Our certified practitioner ensures safe, comfortable care for all earwax types.
For more complex issues, we provide detailed diagnostic evidence and referrals to your GP or specialists to ensure coordinated care and better outcomes.
Experiencing ear discomfort or earwax buildup?
Contact us to book an appointment in Essex, Suffolk, or parts of London bordering Essex.
Have questions about ear health?
We’re here to help—get in touch!