#EarHealth

Earwax serves a purpose beyond being merely bothersome. Medical experts say most people don’t need to remove it routinely. Dr. Erich P. Voigt of NYU Grossman School of Medicine notes that earwax acts as a natural barrier against infections and moisture, helping prevent dryness and itchiness. This is particularly relevant for Thailand’s humid climate, where ear hygiene often raises questions.

Experts describe earwax as a self-cleaning “conveyer belt” of skin. Dr. Lawrence R. Lustig of Columbia University explains that earwax and canal oils migrate outward, gradually releasing wax from the ear canal without manual intervention. Data from reputable medical sources supports the idea that the body typically manages earwax on its own.

Our bodies produce various substances, each having its own purpose, even if some, like earwax, may seem bothersome. Despite the common urge to clean it out, experts suggest most people do not need to remove earwax, emphasizing its role in ear health. According to Dr. Erich P. Voigt of NYU Grossman School of Medicine, earwax acts as a natural barrier against infections and water, providing lubrication that prevents the ears from drying out and itching. This is pivotal information for Thai readers, where humid conditions often lead to concerns about ear hygiene. The evolutionary advantage of earwax as a “conveyer belt of skin,” as explained by Dr. Lawrence R. Lustig from Columbia University, highlights how the body’s natural processes typically eliminate earwax. The secretion migrates outwards, mixed with oils from the ear canal, providing a self-cleaning mechanism obviating the need for manual cleaning source.