Earwax, scientifically known as cerumen, is a natural secretion produced by glands in the outer ear canal. Its presence is a sign of a healthy, self-cleaning auditory system. This substance serves as a protective shield, lubricating the skin and trapping foreign particles like dust, dirt, and small insects before they travel deeper. Cerumen also possesses antimicrobial properties that help prevent infections by creating a slightly acidic environment. The amount and consistency of this secretion vary dramatically, explaining why some individuals notice a greater accumulation than others.
The Role of Genetics in Earwax Type
The most significant factor determining both the type and general quantity of earwax a person produces is their genetic makeup. Earwax comes in two primary types: wet and dry, a distinction governed by a single gene called ABCC11 located on chromosome 16. The wet type is typically sticky, soft, and moist, ranging in color from yellowish-brown to dark brown. The dry type is flaky, light-colored, and brittle.
This difference is controlled by a single variation (SNP) in the ABCC11 gene, which provides instructions for a protein that transports molecules, including fats, in and out of cells. People with the ‘G’ variant have higher fat concentrations in their cerumen, resulting in the wet, sticky type. Those who inherit two copies of the ‘A’ variant have lower protein activity, leading to less fat in the secretion and the resulting dry earwax.
This genetic variation exhibits a clear geographical distribution, tracking ancient human migration patterns. The dry earwax type is overwhelmingly prevalent in East Asian populations (80% to 95%) and is common among Native Americans. The wet earwax type is nearly universal in people of African and European descent, with a frequency as high as 97% to 100%.
The dry type is associated with a lower amount of total secretion, making it less likely to cause impaction. The sticky, wet type is produced in larger quantities and is more likely to become noticeable as it migrates out of the ear. This same gene variant also influences body odor, as the dry-wax variant is linked to a reduction in odor-causing compounds in underarm sweat.
Internal Factors Affecting Production and Clearance
Beyond genetics, several physiological factors influence the volume of earwax present inside the ear canal. The physical structure of the ear canal itself plays a significant part in the natural self-cleaning process. Individuals with naturally narrower or more tortuous ear canals may find that the migration of cerumen out of the ear is impeded, causing it to accumulate.
The glands responsible for cerumen production—the ceruminous and sebaceous glands in the outer third of the ear canal—can exhibit different levels of activity. Some people simply have more active glands, leading to a higher baseline production rate. Conditions causing inflammation or irritation, such as dermatitis or an ear infection, can temporarily stimulate these glands to increase their output as a protective response.
Natural bodily changes, such as the aging process, also affect the consistency of earwax and its clearance. As individuals get older, the earwax they produce often contains less water and becomes drier and harder. This change makes the wax more difficult for the ear’s natural conveyor belt mechanism to expel, leading to a higher likelihood of impaction and buildup over time.
External Habits That Promote Accumulation
While some people naturally produce more earwax, the perception of having “too much” is often caused by external habits that interfere with the ear’s self-cleaning function. The most common culprit is the use of cotton swabs or other foreign objects inside the ear canal. Inserting these items pushes the cerumen deeper into the canal, compacting it against the eardrum.
This action creates an artificial blockage and stimulates the glands to produce more wax in response to the irritation. The compacted wax becomes trapped, unable to migrate out naturally, leading to a cerumen impaction that can cause hearing loss or discomfort.
Frequent use of in-ear devices, such as earbuds, earplugs, or hearing aids, can also contribute to accumulation. These devices sit in the ear canal and physically obstruct the natural outward movement of the earwax, pushing it back. The constant physical contact can also prompt the ceruminous glands to increase production as a defense mechanism.
Furthermore, environmental irritants, such as high levels of dust, dirt, or pollution, can lead to increased cerumen production. The ear works harder to trap and clear these foreign particles, resulting in greater output.
Accumulation requires professional help when the wax hardens to the point of causing symptoms like muffled hearing, earache, or a feeling of fullness. It is important to seek safe removal from a healthcare professional, as attempting to clear an impaction at home with instruments can cause serious damage to the ear canal or eardrum.