Earwax is somewhat gross, but it is a necessary secretion that your ears need. Cerumen is another name for earwax, and the purpose it serves is that it keeps your ears protected from foreign objects and bacteria from entering your body. You will not also look at the appearance or consistency of earwax like you would do with mucus, but the fact of the matter is that your earwax says a lot about your health. A doctor and ENT out of the University of Kentucky, Dr. Brett Cormer, discusses your health and earwax. There are six things to look for when it comes to your health and earwax.
Your Earwax Has A Green And Watery Appearance
If you are active and working up a sweat, then your earwax can have a watery appearance. That is not anything to worry about on its own. However, if you have not been active and are getting earwax with a green watery consistency, then there is a sight you have an ear infection. That is even the case if you do not have ear pain, so you will want to go to the doctor to have them take a look in your ears.
Dry Or Sticky Consistency
Everyone has different consistency of ear wax, and you will either have sticky or dry cerumen. That is not a health issue per se, as it has to do with genetics. Sticky earwax is what you see in European or African people, and dry earwax is what you see in those of Asian descent. It all has to do with the climate that your ancestors grew up in.
Your Earwax Smells
If your earwax has a strong odor, then that is not normal as that too is a sign that you have an ear infection, and perhaps there is damage to your middle ear. You may also experience tinnitus which is ringing in your ears, a weak sense of balance, and the feeling of a full or blocked ear. Either way, you will need to see your doctor if your earwax smells.
Your Earwax Leaks
If you have a tear or an infection in your eardrum, then your wax will likely leak out, and that is something you must not ignore. If you do not look into the reason behind the leaky earwax which is a sign that your eardrum is infected or torn, then you could end up with a cyst-like structure known as cholesteatoma. The problem with that is that it can cause the particles and bacteria to fill up in your ear canal, leading to other problems.
Flaky Earwax
If your earwax is flaky, it has nothing to do with your health, and it has everything to do with your age instead. As you age, the consistency of your earwax flakes, and that is not anything to worry about. You also cannot do anything about it either.
It Is Absent
If you find yourself not having any more earwax, then that is a sign you could have a condition known as keratitis obturates. It is not that it disappears, but it means that the wax is not shedding and builds up to the point it creates a hard clump in your ear. You will have pain or fullness in your ears, and it is unpleasant. You would have to have it removed by a doctor.
Therefore, if you are finding that the consistency of your earwax is changing, then you do not want to neglect it if it becomes leaky, watery, green, or if you are finding that you no longer have any. However, if it is flaky, then once again, it is to be expected as you age.
