Earwax is a natural substance produce by your body to help protect your ear health. It works by trapping dust, dirt particles and bacteria from entering the ear canal and going inside your body. It also provides a protective layer on the skin inside side your ears and stops them from become dry. Earwax can often come in different colour variations; however, it can also signal what may be happening inside your body.
- Normal, healthy earwax is often a pale yellow or orange colour which is mostly common in both adults and children.
- Darker yellow or brown earwax is usually also normal in adults. Darker coloured earwax usually means it has been sitting inside the ear for a while and collecting dirt. Sometimes dark, sticky earwax is common as you age and does not signal any health problems.
- Very dark brown earwax can be worrying, but it is usually just old wax that has built up over time. Earwax can also become black if you live and travel around heavily polluted areas. If, however, you feel any pain or hearing loss alongside dark brown or black earwax, then this could mean it is blocking the ear canal.
- Bright or dark red earwax may be a sign of an injury inside the ear. This can happen if you insert sharp objects or cotton buds into your ears. If bleeding is persistent and you experience pain then seek medical help straight away.
- Green or pus like discharge coming out of the ears is usually a sign of an ear infection, especially if it smells and is accompanied with pain and a fever.
