Causes of liquid wax in the ears in adults. Purpose of earwax

Every person has an idea about earwax. It is a kind of secretion that forms in the auditory canal. This substance is intended to cleanse the hearing organ from various foreign objects, as well as treat and disinfect the ear canals. At normal functioning the body removes sulfur masses naturally with the help of cilia, which form the epithelium of the internal cavity.

Excessive sulfur formation may indicate that “problems” are occurring in the body. Improper hygiene ear canal also indicates an accumulation of this substance. Since sulfur is intended to protect and moisturize, when a certain failure occurs, a person feels discomfort which can lead to serious complications in the future.

Earwax

Each of us should understand why earwax is needed. Outer ear canal formed by thin skin, which includes large number sebaceous and sulfur glands. Because outer part The ear canal is in constant contact with the environment; the inner epithelium of the ear secretes a liquid secretion. Mixing with particles of dead skin, sulfur is formed.

Functional feature this secret consists of the following functions:

Protection – earwax is pasty viscous consistency, which traps dust particles, various small foreign objects, insects, and prevents water from penetrating deep into the ear canal.
Cleansing - everything that has settled on a viscous consistency, naturally is displayed. Thus, a process of self-purification occurs, everything unnecessary comes out.
Moisturizing – the formed sulfur masses help moisturize the ear cavity, as well as the eardrum. Drying out skin In this case, it's out of the question.

Frequent intensive manipulations of deep cleansing can damage the integrity of the eardrum and will also contribute to the development of an inflammatory process in the ear.

Causes of high sulfur content

Why does wax form in the ears? increased quantity? Overeducation earwax may occur in various cases. For example:

irritation of the auditory canal;
improper hygiene;
use of cotton swabs;
abnormal ear structure;
viral and infectious diseases.

In diseases of viral and infectious etiology, hypersecretion of sulfur occurs. Sometimes increased volumes of sulfur masses simply trigger the healing process, bringing out unnecessary elements. However, in most cases, such hypersecretion leads to the formation of sulfur plugs.

If you notice minor changes in the color and consistency of the sulfur released, do not immediately assume any pathological process. In some cases small deviations from the norm are acceptable and are assessed as physiological norm. But, in the vast majority of cases, the doctor diagnoses the onset of the disease. So, what changes can lead to pathology:

Yellow sulfur - a large piece of sulfur of this color can indicate the beginning purulent process. In some cases, the yellow secretion contains white clots. With such discharges it is also observed elevated temperature bodies, painful sensations, weakness in the body, irritability. Antibiotics are used in treatment.
– if a lump of sulfur turns black, the secretion most likely contains blood clots. However, isolated case The secretion of black sulfur does not threaten health; most likely, the secretion is colored as a result of pollution. The second reason for this shade is otomycosis ( fungal disease ear cavity). Controversy pathogenic microorganisms capable of coloring sulfur. With this disease, itching and peeling are observed. Treatment is based on taking antifungal medications.
Secretion of a white shade - this color may indicate that the body is lacking some trace elements, such as iron. After accompanying diagnostic measures, the doctor prescribes a specific vitamin complex.
Dry wax in the ears can lead to skin diseases. The second cause of dryness is eating foods with insufficient fat. In this case, it is recommended to review your diet and make the necessary changes.
Liquid consistency - reduced viscosity of secretion, when not only wax falls out of the ear, but flows out, observed when inflammatory process. Even common cold can reduce the viscosity of sulfur. Any mechanical injuries the organ of hearing also have a similar effect. After visual inspection Using an otoscope, the doctor can determine the final cause.

In what cases should sulfur be removed?

Remove sulfur from mandatory stands when the first signs of discomfort in the ear appear. Most likely, a wax plug has formed in the ear. In such cases, you need to contact an otolaryngologist who will conduct an examination and prescribe appropriate treatment. Typically, the patient will undergo a lavage procedure.

Ear hygiene rules

Hygiene auricle best done while taking a shower

First of all, ear hygiene is aimed at keeping the hearing organ clean, as well as protecting against the penetration of moisture, various foreign objects, and hypothermia. Don't forget about the prevention of infectious diseases.

To maintain personal hygiene rules, you should take into account several important instructions:

Daily washing of the auricle - gentle washing should be carried out under clean water, moving the sink slightly to the side so that water does not penetrate deep into it. After ear hygiene, you should rinse the fold behind the ear, since dirt, dust, and germs accumulate in this place.
Otolaryngologists for hygiene purposes. You can damage the ear cavity, which will further lead to inflammation.
If there is a large accumulation of sulfur, it is not worth it

Earwax is actually not really wax, but... chemical element this secret has only external similarities. For example, in English it is called “ear wax”. Let's figure out why wax forms in the ears and what its functions are in human body.

How is sulfur formed?

Earwax is a yellow-brown viscous secretion that is formed in humans. This substance is also produced in some mammals, for example, cats and dogs. What is sulfur needed for? It has several irreplaceable functions:

Cleansing. With the help of sulfur, all those particles of dust and dirt that get into the ear do not fall deeper into the ear, but eventually come out.
Lubricating. The secretion serves as a kind of lubricant for the ear canal, protecting the skin from drying out.
Protective. Sulfur protects the hearing organ from the penetration of fungi, viruses and bacteria. It also protects against water entering the ear canal.

Traditional medicine attributes sulfur and medicinal qualities, however, this fact has not been scientifically proven.- the organ is delicate and sensitive to various negative influences. This is why wax forms in the ears, which protects the health of the hearing organ.

Where does this substance come from? In the human outer ear there are about 2000 glands, which are modified sweat glands. They produce, on average, 5 mg of secretion per month.

The composition of earwax includes:

proteins;
fats;
fatty acids;
mineral salts.

It contains immunoglobulin and lysozyme, which provide the same protective function. The pH of sulfur is normally about 5 units, which prevents the proliferation of pathogenic microflora in it. In addition, earwax contains dead cells and sebum.

Fun fact: Earwax can be either dry or wet.

Moreover, this fact is due solely to genetic factors. For example, among representatives of the Mongoloid race it is always dry, but among Europeans and dark-skinned people it is wet. Its consistency depends on the amount of fat-like substances in the secretion.

How to properly clean your ears

This is why earwax is needed. As with everything else, you need to know when to stop and not overdo it. You should not strive for a sterile cleanliness of the ear, because this can lead to unpleasant consequences.

If a lot of wax accumulates in the ears, there are reasons for this. In most cases, this phenomenon is not an anomaly, but only indicates the active work of the sulfur glands. However, under certain conditions, such secretions can lead to blockage of the ear canal and a decrease in the quality of sound transmission.

Functions of sulfur and the mechanism of its formation

To understand why so much wax accumulates in the ears, we should consider the mechanism of its formation. Every person has a huge number of sulfur glands in their ears. Every day they produce a specific secretion, the total volume of which can exceed 15-20 mg per month.

These glands are located in the front of the ear canal in the outer ear, so there is no point in trying to clean the farther part of the organ.

Sulfur has specific tasks. Their implementation allows you to protect your hearing from negative impact environment, infections, garbage and other influences. The functions of the sulfur glands include:

hydration;
protection;
cleaning;
disinfection.

The secretions protect the ear canal from drying out and prevent dirt and dust from getting deep into the ear. In addition, the viscous secretion pushes foreign particles and harmful microorganisms out, ensuring the cleanliness and health of the organ.

Causes of accumulation of discharge and how to get rid of wax plug

To prevent disruption of the above functions and the formation of a plug, it is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of the external channel. Remove excess secretions weekly, otherwise the amount will exceed permissible norm, which will lead to negative consequences.

The accumulation of old sulfur is the main factor causing the formation of solids. The situation is aggravated by abundant pollution with dust and other solid particles. When they clump together, they form so-called plugs, which not only violate the hygiene of the organ, but also have unpleasant consequences.

Earwax accumulations can get deep into the ear canal and cause blockage. This is why people who neglect the rules of hygiene often suffer from hearing impairment. Sulfur plug interferes with the perception of sounds and partially muffles them. In addition, it can cause and put pressure on eardrum.

To restore hearing and cleanliness in the ears, it is necessary to get rid of the wax plug. Having understood for yourself why it is formed, it is important to prevent the situation from reoccurring and remove the contamination in a timely manner. Several techniques can be used to extract already lost secretions.

The simplest and most obvious is mechanical action. Since the plug is a solid accumulation of wax, it can be removed using tweezers. You need to act extremely carefully so as not to damage the organ and not push the pieces even further. It is best if the procedure is performed by a doctor.

When removing at home, the collection should be visible in the ear. For convenience, the sink needs to be pulled back a little to straighten the channel. Next, the tip of tweezers grabs the sulfur and carefully pulls it out. If you doubt that you can cope with this task, it is better not to risk it and seek help from an otolaryngologist.

You can use hydrogen peroxide. You need to carefully drop a small amount (5-10 drops into each ear) into the ear and wait 5-10 minutes. Hissing means that the liquid is still working and corroding the secretions. Then you need to pour it out of the ear brown liquid and wipe it down.

To prevent the accumulation of wax in the ears, it is necessary to clean it regularly. There are several recommendations regarding this process:

Cotton swabs are not the best hygiene tool. They are not sterile and can harm your ears. Naturally, hairpins and other traumatic objects should not be used for cleaning.
For greater effectiveness, cotton wool can be moistened with water or peroxide.
You can't put the stick deep. This can damage the eardrum or clog the narrowing canal in the ear.
The wax glands are located in the outer part of the ear, therefore, when cleaning there is no need to penetrate deep into the organ.
Additionally, it is necessary to clean the ear itself.

If you accidentally damage your ear while cleaning, you may need to see a doctor. If there is a wound, the risk of infection and the development of external otitis or otomycosis increases.

To prevent traffic jams, you can visit an ENT specialist from time to time for hygiene procedures.

As soon as you notice that a lot of wax has accumulated in your ears, you need to clean them. Regular and correct execution hygiene procedures will prevent contamination of the ear canal. At the same time, the hearing organs will be reliably protected from debris and infections.

Earwax is a naturally occurring substance produced in the ears of many mammals, including humans. There is an opinion that sulfur is a sign of uncleanliness, but in fact it helps keep the ears clean, filters dust, debris and other substances such as shampoo. Thus, sulfur protects the ear canal from infection.

The ear canal in our body is essentially a “dead end”. Dead skin cells cannot be removed from it through physical erosion the way they can be removed from other areas of the body. Sulfur is a creative solution to this problem. Produced by the sebaceous and sulfur glands in the ear canal, it contains a number of organic compounds, including saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, alcohols and cholesterol. The exact chemical composition of sulfur varies depending on diet, ethnicity, age and condition environment.

Starting from early Middle Ages, this improvised material was used quite widely.

The book The Art of Limming, published in 1573, gives a recipe for applying gilding to a page. First, they sculpted plaster, creating a three-dimensional image of signs or letters, smoothing the edges so that the letter shone on all sides

To prevent the finest gold from coming off or peeling off, we used egg white With warm water. The main thing that should not be allowed is the appearance of air bubbles. This is where, according to medieval masters, earwax turned out to be indispensable.

In the home encyclopedia American Frugal Housewife, published in 1832, there is advice: “Nothing helps relieve the pain of a nail prick or heal chapped lips like earwax.”

Long before the advent of waxed thread, medieval dressmakers used earwax to wax the ends to prevent fraying. In the 17th century, blunt sail needles with a large eye, which were used to thread ribbon through the hem of a dress, often had a tiny spoon at the end. This spoon was used to collect earwax and wax the ends of threads. According to some, this is where we should look for the roots of modern hygiene.

Earwax plays an important role in the functioning of the ears and, in most cases, does not need to be removed. Our ears are self-cleaning, and if they are functioning properly, no intervention is required to keep them clean. In some people, the self-cleaning mechanism of the ears is disrupted, and wax becomes “trapped” in some part of the ear canal. This can happen for a number of reasons, including the anatomy of the ear (some people have very sharp curves in their ear canal). Or it may be due to insertion into the ear canal foreign bodies, such as cotton swabs, which can cause the wax to actually be pushed further into the ear canal.

Since the ear produces wax all the time, where the wax particles are pushed with a stick, over time a wax plug appears, which can remain in the ear for decades. Excess wax in the ear has a lot of side effects, including pain, general irritation and sometimes infection of the ear canal. In some cases, ringing in the ears, buzzing, or other extraneous sounds occurs. The wax plug can touch the eardrum, or completely block the external auditory canal, which will prevent the passage of sound. It occurs in 35% of people over age 65 and can cause mild hearing loss that resolves once the wax is removed. That is, our efforts to cleanse our ears actually disrupt their self-cleaning cycle. A few drops of water or natural oil(for example, olive or almond) can be very effective in softening the wax plug in the ear and facilitating its “migration” from the ear. If there is no improvement, then you should consult a doctor who may prescribe douching with water. The main thing you should never do is push anything into your ears in order to clean them.

Scientists say earwax carries important information about human health and nature. Wax is a mixture of secretions from the sweat and sebaceous glands; it traps dust, bacteria and small objects, preventing them from entering the ear. Sulfur also perfectly protects against water entering the ear canal.

The Monell Center found that variations in the ABCC11 gene are associated with the quality of sulfur a person has, whether it is dry or wetter. The same gene is responsible for the odor emanating from the armpits. And this smell carries with it a huge amount of information, including gender, sexual orientation, and health status. Earwax may contain the same information, Meddaily reports. In particular, experts decided to check whether it was possible to find features characteristic of each ethnic group in sulfur.

Scientists collected sulfur samples from 16 volunteers (8 people were of European descent, and 8 were from East Asia). The samples were heated for 30 minutes. When heated, sulfur began to release volatile organic compounds. These are aromatic molecules that can be examined using a special method of gas chromatography. 12 were found in the samples different types volatile compounds. But their concentration varied greatly depending on ethnicity.

For example, in men with European roots there was increased concentration 11 connections. Asians, like American Indians, have lower concentrations, their sulfur is drier, and the odor from their armpits is weaker. In general, it is by sulfur that one can diagnose serious disorders metabolism - leucinosis and alkaptonuria - before they are detected by blood or urine.

By the way, the ABCC11 gene is also associated with breast cancer. According to Japanese scientists, earwax and armpit odor will tell which of the women with this gene is at risk of cancer.

In fact, everyone has an idea of what earwax is. This substance is produced in the hearing organs of all mammals, humans are no exception. People periodically clean out sulfur accumulations.

Often, wax is perceived as dirt in a person's ears. It is believed that an abundant accumulation of sulfur masses is a sign of uncleanliness. People constantly see earwax, remove the substance from their ears, but in fact, few people understand how it is formed, what is included in its composition and why it is needed.

The ear constantly produces a viscous, viscous substance of a yellowish-orange, even brown hue. It is not difficult to understand where earwax comes from - a viscous substance is formed in the depths of the ear, produced naturally by sulfur and sebaceous glands ear canal.

Exit to the outside is accomplished through the movement of the maxillofacial joint when eating, chewing, and swallowing.

Depending on individual characteristics body, the substance can be produced either quickly or slowly. The production of the substance can be affected by:

chronic diseases,
developing pathologies,
abnormalities in the structure of the hearing organs,
lifestyle and living habits,
work activity.

Reference. On average, 5 mg of a protective product is produced within a month.

The ear canal contains 1000-2000 glands that secrete earwax.

Earwax: chemical composition

The viscous mass secreted is a lubricating secretion, which we call sulfur, performs certain protective functions, and is not an ordinary useless waste product of the body. The functional ability of the substance is so high due to certain components included in its composition.

The substance is rich in:

cholesterol;
alcohol;
lysozyme;
proteins;
immunoglobulin;
mineral salts;
fatty acids.

Also, sulfur contains everything that blocks and does not allow penetration into the depths of the ears - dirt, sebum, dead cells. Depending on the consistency of what the sulfur product is made of, the substance can be completely dry or wet.

The formula of earwax (that is, the composition of the waste product) is unique for each person and depends on a number of factors:

age;
features of life and the environment in which a person lives;
ethnicity;
specifics of work activity;
consumed food.

Interesting. Knowing about uniqueness chemical composition of this product vital activity, in the Middle Ages sulfur was used for gluing, healing wounds on the lips and body, waxing ropes and threads.

Earwax on a cotton swab under a microscope

Functions of sulfur matter

Many people do not understand why earwax is needed and what its benefits are. functional features.

The main functions of earwax:

Protective function. The mixture released from the ear traps small particles of dust and debris, blocks the movement of bacteria and fungi, and does not allow drops of water to enter the ear canal, chemicals contained in hygiene products.
Cleansing. All that sulfur does not allow deep into ear canal, it leads out, cleaning the ear canal.
Hydration. Sulfuric matter lubricates the eardrum and prevents the skin of the ear canal from drying out.

Earwax improves functional features, keeping them healthy.

You need to understand that nothing happens in the human body for nothing, and everything is necessary for something. Doctors recommend too. It is necessary to remove only that part of the wax that spontaneously comes out of the ear canal.

Such interventions deep into the ear canal can damage the eardrum, reduce the protective function of cerumen and contribute to the development of otitis and other chronic diseases ears.

Hypersecretion

Many people experience natural hypersecretion of earwax. The main reasons for this phenomenon are considered:

irritation of the ear canal;
abnormal change in the shape of the ear canal;
periodic use of cotton swabs.

In case of hypersecretion of sulfur, it is better to carry out preventive measures once a month and prevent ear plugs from appearing

The functions of viscous secretion are noticeably reduced if there is an excessive accumulation of substances that clog the ear canal. In this case, the eardrum contracts, which causes itching in the depths of the ear, discomfort, pain, sensation of heard sounds, dizziness begins, vomiting, and convulsions may occur.

Today, many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears. However, often cleaning the ear canal with this “tool” causes harm, injuring and stretching the eardrum, pressing the produced substance deeper, pressing part of it into the depth. Gradually, such compaction provokes the development of hearing loss and causes complete deafness.

Doctors do not recommend using cotton swabs for, and you should not clean the depth of the ear canal with various thin, sharp objects. It is recommended to remove accumulations of sulfur matter only when they appear on the surface of the auricle. You can rinse and wipe off the substance with damp cotton pads or your fingers.