Ear Wax

• The creation of ear wax is a common biological process that every human undergoes. The skin cells which line the inner part of the human ear have glands, which are similar to sweat glands. Instead of sweat, they produce ear wax. This smooth excretion seems to be created to protect the inner ear. It also captures dust and dirt so that it won't damage the ear. This wax, which acts sort of like a lint trap, is pushed towards the outer part of the ear with the dust that is captured. It does this as new ear wax is produced. In this way, the ear protects and cleans itself.
  
  

Build Up

• Ear wax is forced out of the ear at a similar rate that it's being created in the inner ear, taking the dust and dirt with it. This ear wax, like other unwanted parts of our bodies, is sloughed off in ways we don't usually think about, being left on our pillows as we sleep or being wiped off on towels once we're done showering. However, some people produce more ear wax than they need, causing a build up of it in their ears. Other problems could be caused by narrow ear canals which don't allow the wax to work its way out quickly enough, or canals which are at an angle in the head that makes it difficult for ear wax to simple be pushed out as normal.
  
  

Problems and Solutions

• Build-up of ear wax can lead to a variety of medical problems, including ear infection and impaired hearing or deafness. When enough ear wax has been built up to completely block the ear canal, it makes hearing difficult or impossible, and it can lead to stagnation which may create an infection. However, there are easy ways to prevent this problem and to deal with it when it does arise. One preventative method is to wear ear plugs if you're going to be spending time in a particularly dusty environment. Once blockages have occurred, pouring a few drops of wax softening solution--which can be purchased as a pharmacy--may break up blockages and allow them to be pushed out in the usual manner. It's often best to consult a doctor and ask his opinion before taking any measures to deal with ear wax buildup.