Why Do Ears Produce So Much Wax?

August 14, 2025

One time or another, you may have wondered, “Why do I have so much ear wax?” You’re not alone!

Ear wax might seem gross, but it’s actually very helpful. It protects your ears and keeps them healthy.

Let’s talk about what ear wax is, why your body makes it, and what to do if you think you have too much.

What Is Ear Wax?

Ear wax, also called cerumen, is a sticky, yellow or brown substance that forms in your ear canal. It might not look pretty, but it has an important job!

Ear wax is made by tiny glands inside your ears. It’s a mix of oils, skin cells, and dirt. It slowly moves out of your ear on its own and usually dries up and falls out without you even noticing.

Why Do Ears Make Ear Wax?

Your ears make wax for a few good reasons:

To Keep Your Ears Clean – Believe it or not, ear wax helps clean your ears. As the wax moves, it carries dust, dirt, and dead skin cells out of your ear.

To Protect Your Ears – Ear wax keeps germs, bugs, and other tiny things from getting deep inside your ears. It acts like a shield.

To Keep Your Ears Moist – Ear wax keeps your ears from feeling dry and itchy. It protects the skin inside your ears from cracking or getting irritated.

Why Do Some People Have More Ear Wax Than Others?

Some people just make more wax than others, and that’s normal! Everyone’s ears are different. Here are a few reasons why you might have more wax:

It runs in your family (it can be genetic)
You wear hearing aids, earbuds, or earplugs often
You have narrow or curvy ear canals
Your body makes thicker or stickier wax
Your ears try to protect themselves from dust or dirt

Sometimes, too much wax builds up and doesn’t come out on its own. This is called ear wax impaction.

If ear wax is disrupting your hearing, it’s best to see an audiologist. If you need to see an audiologist in New York, please schedule an appointment with our expert hearing doctors today!

Signs You Might Have Too Much Ear Wax

If your ears make too much wax or it gets stuck, you might notice:

A feeling that your ear is full or blocked
Trouble hearing clearly
Earaches or discomfort
Ringing or buzzing sounds (tinnitus)
Itching or irritation
Dizziness or balance problems
Coughing (yes, that can be from ear wax too!)

If you have these symptoms, it’s a good idea to see an audiologist. They can look inside your ears and help you feel better.

Need to visit an audiologist in New York? Please schedule an appointment with our expert hearing doctors at Audio Help Hearing Centers.

Should You Clean Your Ears?

This surprises a lot of people: Most of the time, you don’t need to clean your ears at all. Your ears clean themselves naturally. Wax slowly moves out on its own, especially when you chew or talk.

Don’t use cotton swabs or put anything inside your ears. This can push the wax in deeper, make it harder to get out, and even hurt your ear.

If you think you have too much wax, an audiologist can remove it safely.

Audio Help Hearing Centers provides expert ear wax removal in New York, NY.

How Can an Audiologist Help?

Audiologists are ear and hearing experts. If your ears make too much wax, they can check your ears and remove it gently. They may use:

Special ear drops to soften the wax
Gentle water irrigation to flush it out
Small tools or suction to carefully take it out

These treatments are quick, safe, and much better than trying to do it yourself.

How Can You Prevent Wax Buildup?

You might not be able to stop ear wax completely, but you can lower your chances of buildup:

Avoid using cotton swabs
Limit wearing earbuds or earplugs for long periods
Ask your audiologist about safe ear care
Schedule regular ear checks if you make a lot of wax

Ear Wax Removal in NYC

Ear wax is a natural and helpful part of your body. It keeps your ears clean, protected, and healthy. But sometimes, your ears make too much, and it can block your hearing or cause discomfort.

If you’re having problems with wax buildup or think your ears feel full, don’t wait. See an audiologist for safe, gentle care.

Audio Help Hearing Centers provides expert ear wax removal in New York, NY.

Our offices are located in the greater New York City Area (Chelsea Village, Columbus Circle, and Park Avenue). You can also find our audiologists in Scarsdale, NY (Westchester County), and Stamford, CT.