Earwax, which is also medically known as cerumen, is a substance produced by the glands in your ear canal. The body uses earwax to maintain your ear health which allows you to hear. Earwax is made up of different substances, including dead skin. It gets its oiliness from the sebaceous glands and immune system support from the ceruminous glands.
Earwax can be wet or dry in individual people and often there are no concerns if you are not getting any additional symptoms. Wet earwax can be in a range of colours including pale yellow, honeycomb colour, and even orange or brown. However, if you are wondering why your earwax is naturally wet, the answer may be part of your heritage. Some studies have shown that the genes responsible for dry earwax was originated in northeast Asian population, whereas the wet earwax is mostly common in people of African and European decent.
Sometimes, wet earwax can indicate a health issue. Earwax which is wet, or pale may indicate there is pus in your ear canal, often caused by an ear infection. This pale discharge is most likely warning signal from your body that you need to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Watery earwax, however, should not be confused with wet earwax. Swimming can often cause water to mix with earwax, making t watery. Unfortunately, wet earwax is more likely to build up over time and cause a blockage. This can then lead to further complications if left untreated, such as ear infections and loss of hearing.
