-
Asked by damoyah to Ben, Lizzie, Francis, Max, Sian on 13 Mar 2018.
-
Ben Mulhearn answered on 13 Mar 2018:
Because it’s waxy it acts as a lubricant, keeping your ear canal nice and clean. It also protects against the overgrowth of bacteria and fungi. If you put soap in your ears though, this can dry out the ear wax (which is usually soft) and this makes it build up. Therefore, my advice is to not use soap in your ears!
-
-
Max Jamilly answered on 13 Mar 2018:
Great question. Earwax is one of many substances that the body produces as a first line of defence against infection – like tears in your eyes, mucus in your nose, oil on your skin, and all kinds of other secretions. The environment is full of bacteria and stopping them from entering the body is really important. That’s why if you damage your eardrum in an accident (for example, you go swimming deep in a pool without equalising), your doctor will advise you to cover your ear in the shower – otherwise pathogens could enter the inner ear and cause an infection.
I totally agree with Ben – the only thing you should ever put in your ears is your elbow!
-
Francis Man answered on 14 Mar 2018:
A funny fact about ear wax is that some people have dry earwax and some people have wet earwax. The difference comes from a tiny change in one gene!
Comments