The human body never ceases to amaze us with the way it works. In fact, it’s capable of sending signals to alert us to a condition or problem through the various organs and areas that comprise it. Furthermore, did you know that our ears can reveal a lot about our health?
Indeed, beyond their auditory function, ears, like any other part of the human body, must be monitored to maintain our health. In fact, one of the main indicators of this is earwax. This wax, composed of fatty substances, amino acids, and minerals, protects the external auditory canal. Earwax has a very specific role, helping to fight the entry of pathogens and germs.
So, when its texture, color, and appearance change, it indicates a health problem because the protective barrier of earwax has been compromised. To better understand how this works, here are 8 changes in earwax and what they mean:
If you notice gray earwax on a cotton swab, there are two possible explanations. It could be ambient dust caused by pollution, especially in large cities, or your genetics. Indeed, according to the Hearing Guide by Bruno Frachet and Émilie Vormés, earwax is genetically determined. For example, Asians and Native Americans have gray and dry earwax, while Caucasians and Africans have honey-brown and moist earwax.
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