Wet vs. dry earwax: what are the differences?
You might have heard that there are two main types of earwax in the world: wet and dry earwax. Only a very tiny percentage of people have an intermediate, unidentifiable kind. What are the genetics behind it, why do some people have one kind or another, and how does earwax impact our health? Today, we’re understanding the differences between wet vs. dry earwax.
The Genetics of Wet vs. Dry Earwax
Genetically speaking, wet earwax is shown through a dominant gene, while dry earwax is displayed through a recessive gene. This trait is most prevalent in northeast Asia, which means that the genetic mutation may have derived from that location. If both parents have the wet earwax gene, then the child will have wet earwax. If one parent has the recessive gene, there is a partial chance that the child will, too. A child can only have guaranteed dry earwax if both parents have dry earwax.
Old Age and Earwax
People with naturally wet earwax can have drier earwax in later years. Dry earwax is not always genetic; it can also be caused by old age.
Health and Earwax
Wet earwax is connected to other health factors, such as increased body odor and potentially a higher chance of breast cancer. The latter observation is not statistically significant, according to this study.
Aside from these minor notes, neither type of earwax is better or worse than the other. The presence of earwax is a sign of a healthy ear. Cerumen, the sticky or flaky substance that could come out of certain glands in the ear, traps dirt, dust, and other contaminants and keeps the inner ear clean. Earwax is self-draining, so in most cases, you don’t have to worry about cleaning out your ears yourself when they are producing enough earwax.
Impacted Earwax
That being said, impacted earwax can happen. Prevent your ears from being blocked up for too long by earbuds or earplugs, which can increase earwax production. If you have chronic earwax buildup and experience impacted earwax, your local audiologist can safely clear out your ears through ear irrigation. It is a painless and quick process that uses water to flush out the ears. If you are in Columbia, Ellicott City, or somewhere nearby in Maryland, Clarity Audiology is here for your hearing health.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, and Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.