What causes increased ear wax production? (2024)

FAQs

Why is my ear producing so much wax all of a sudden? ›

A: Ear wax production is often triggered by what hearing health care professionals call a contact stimulus. Objects like headphones, earbuds and even hearing aids that contact and rub the ears are the biggest culprits. By producing more earwax, your ears are trying to protect themselves from irritation or infection.

If your ears make too much wax or if earwax isn't cleared well enough, it may build up and block your ear canal. Earwax blockages often happen when people try to get earwax out on their own by using cotton swabs or other items in their ears. This usually just pushes wax deeper into the ear, rather than removing it.

It is not possible to reduce the amount of ear wax you produce or to widen your ear canals. However, there are ways to reduce the incidence of wax build-up, including: Avoid cleaning the ear canals with cotton buds or fingertips, as any object poked into the ear can compact the wax and cause damage to the ear canal.

Green earwax or earwax with a foul smell is also an indication of an infection. If there is blood in your earwax, this could be a sign of an injury to the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Gray or black earwax usually means there is a buildup of dust in the ear or impacted earwax.

The earwax process is normal, and messing with it often causes more problems than it solves. Too much earwax can cause symptoms ranging from pain to hearing loss or even a reflex cough. Ringing in the ear, itching and dizziness can also occur.

Consuming dairy products such as milk, eggs and cheese in high quantities can lead to the excessive production of earwax in your ear canals. This is because dairy foods contain lactose. Dieticians have also noted a link between milk and earwax, but mostly for people who are lactose intolerant.

If the aim is to completely break down the wax, waxsol, peroxide 3% or a sodium bicarbonate solution (which can be prepared by your local pharmacist) is effective.

If your earwax is dark brown or red-tinged, this could be a sign of an injury within the ear. This could range from a minor scratch in the ear canal to a ruptured eardrum.

Take care of your ears

Never insert a swab or anything else into the ear canal. Doing so can push the wax deeper, even if it appears that you're removing some wax. Help the earwax's natural migration out of the ear by using a warm, wet washcloth to clean the outer ear when you bathe each night.

Some people under a doctor's care may require regular cleanings, but this is not the case for everyone. More damage can be created by trying to clean or remove ear wax versus just leaving it alone. “The skin in the ear is very thin and even slight trauma from such a device can cause injury,” Brant noted.

What can earwax tell us about health and diet? ›

There is NO EVIDENCE to show that specific foods or a specific diet results in increased earwax production. Individual responses may vary, and maintaining your overall ear hygiene is essential for optimal ear health.

Dry ears can have many causes. It can be as simple as not being able to produce enough earwax or cleaning the ears too much. Dry ears can also be linked to skin allergies, and to other dry skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. In most cases, it can easily be treated.

Summary. Ear candling is an alternative practice that involves placing a lit, hollow candle in your ear as a way to remove earwax. Despite what supporters say, there is no evidence that ear candling has benefits or that it can treat any health condition.

Frequent washing, however, can do more harm than good because it strips the ear of this delicate, protective lining, leaving the way open for bacteria to get in and multiply. Experts, recommend that you only clean your ears every two to four weeks.