What is true?
- Earwax (cerumen) does help protect the ear canal by trapping dust, debris, and microorganisms.
- Earwax varies among people. Different genetic variants are associated with wetter or drier earwax, and some populations are more likely to have one type than another.
- Blood in earwax or coming from the ear can indicate injury, infection, a ruptured eardrum, or another medical problem and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
What is questionable or inaccurate?
Before interpreting changes in earwax, it helps to separate common observations from claims that have little or no established medical support.
