While ears do not produce watery sweat in the same way your skin does to cool you down, they contain specialized glands that create secretions. What often feels like moisture in the ear canal is typically a mix of these natural secretions, possibly combined with environmental moisture.
Understanding Ear Glands
The ear canal contains two primary types of glands responsible for producing earwax: ceruminous glands and sebaceous glands. Ceruminous glands are specialized sweat glands, specifically modified apocrine glands, located in the outer third of the ear canal. These glands secrete a thick, yellowish substance that contributes significantly to earwax.
Sebaceous glands are also present in the ear canal, often associated with hair follicles. They produce an oily substance called sebum, which lubricates the skin and hair within the ear canal. Earwax is a combination of these secretions, along with dead skin cells and other debris. While ceruminous glands are a type of sweat gland, their main role is earwax production and ear health, not body temperature regulation. The inner ear canal does not contain eccrine glands, which are the sweat glands responsible for the clear, watery sweat found on most of the body.
Why Ears May Feel Moist
The sensation of moisture in the ears can arise from several factors. One common reason is the natural production of earwax. Excessive earwax can feel sticky or wet, and its presence helps lubricate and protect the ear canal.
Environmental factors, such as high humidity or water exposure from showering or swimming, can also lead to a moist feeling. Water can become trapped in the ear canal, creating a damp environment. This trapped moisture can soften the skin, making the ear more susceptible to issues.
Ear infections, particularly otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear, are another frequent cause of ear moisture. This infection often results in discharge, which can appear clear and watery, or become cloudy, yellowish, and pus-like. Swimmer’s ear is typically caused by bacteria or fungi thriving in a moist ear canal, leading to symptoms like itching, pain, and sometimes reduced hearing.
Keeping Your Ears Healthy
Maintaining ear health involves simple practices to manage moisture and prevent complications. After swimming or bathing, it is helpful to gently dry the outer ear with a soft towel and tilt your head to allow any trapped water to drain. Using a blow dryer on the lowest setting, held at least a foot away, can also help dry the ear canal safely. Earplugs or a swim cap can be used during water activities to keep ears dry.
Avoid inserting objects like cotton swabs, fingers, or hairpins into the ear canal, as these can push earwax deeper, damage the delicate skin, or introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. The ear is generally self-cleaning, with earwax naturally migrating out of the canal. If you experience persistent moisture, pain, unusual discharge, or changes in hearing, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. These symptoms could indicate an infection or another condition that requires professional evaluation and treatment.