Doctor says earwax helps maintain ear canal health

Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist Surgeon Dr. dr. Harim Priyono, SpTHTBKL, Subsp.Oto(K), reminded that cerumen, commonly referred to as earwax, has an important function in maintaining the health of the ear canal. Harim, who works at RSUP Nasional Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo, said during a webinar attended from Jakarta on Friday that cerumen is not dirt that must always be removed because it helps protect the ear from infections. ‘Cerumen is actually not dirt. It even has benefits for maintaining the condition of the ear canal,’ he said. The acidity produced by cerumen helps suppress the growth of microorganisms in the area. In addition, cerumen is produced by skin glands and contains immunoglobulins, substances that act as antibacterials and help protect the ear from infection. According to Harim, cerumen only needs to be cleaned if its amount covers a significant portion of the ear canal diameter. ‘Cerumen should be removed when it covers about 30 percent of the diameter of the ear canal. If it is only thin, it does not need to be cleaned too often,’ he said. Cleaning ears too frequently can actually increase the risk of ear health problems. The use of cotton buds or other tools to scrape the ears can make the ear canal too clean, resulting in the loss of the natural protection from cerumen. Moreover, such actions can also cause small injuries to the surface of the ear canal skin, making it easier for bacteria or fungi to enter and proliferate. This condition can trigger infections of the outer ear, causing pain, swelling, and even temporary hearing loss. Harim urged the public not to clean the ears excessively and to have their ears checked by an ENT doctor if complaints such as pain, itchiness, or hearing loss occur.