What can I read from the color of the earwax? | Earwax

What can I read from the color of the earwax?

Earwax exists in many different colors. Both yellowish and orange earwax are possible, as well as many shades of brown to black. Dark earwax seems to be mainly caused by heavy sweat production.

Genetically, a person produces either dry or moist earwax. The absolute majority of Europeans produce the moist type. Above all in East Asia, however, one finds the dry type.

This is whiter and firmer. An indication of a damage is above all the earwax added blood. If large amounts of liquid flow out of the ear, it can not only be earwax, but also pus, for example. In this case a doctor should be consulted.

Earwax for babies and children

Earwax is a common problem for babies and children. Basically, however, it fulfills the same tasks for the little ones as in adulthood. It is an important barrier against any kind of infection of the external auditory canal and ensures that it is kept moist and self-cleaning.

In babies and children, too, excess production and a disturbed self-cleaning process can lead to the formation of a plug of earwax. Close observation and age-appropriate questioning of the child can provide information about the type of impairment. Older children usually complain of a loss of normal hearing on one side, a feeling of pressure, pain or itching, and less frequently even of ringing in the ears.

In babies, if the excess earwax is not already visible at the exit of the external auditory canal, attention should be paid to signs of sensation in one ear. Too much earwax is never the cause of fever, infections or problems falling asleep. Under no circumstances should parents try to clean their baby’s or child’s ears themselves without medical advice.

Do not use cotton swabs that are intended for adult use, as they can cause injury to the child’s ear if used improperly. After careful and gentle inspection of the affected ear, the doctor will decide on a gentle removal of the earwax by means of keratolytic (horn-dissolving) drops and gentle rinsing with warm water. Painful measures such as scraping out the external auditory canal with spoons or loop tools are not recommended for babies and children due to their unwillingness to cooperate.

If necessary, the treatment with drops and the subsequent rinsing of the auditory canal must be repeated. The doctor can train parents of affected children in the application of the measures for use at home. However, even in infancy or childhood, the healthy ear does not require regular cleaning and complications can arise if the ear is excessively or improperly irrigated.