The human body never ceases to amaze us with its functioning. It is in fact able to send signals to alert us of a condition or problem through the various organs and areas that compose it. Furthermore, did you know that our ears can tell us a lot about our health?

 

In fact, in addition to the hearing function, the ears, like any other part of the human body, also need to be monitored to take care of our health. In fact, one of the main indicators is earwax. It is a wax composed of fatty substances, amino acids and minerals that protects the external auditory canal. Earwax has a very specific function: it helps to counteract the penetration of pathogens and germs.

So when the consistency, color, and appearance of earwax changes, it is a sign of a health problem, because the protective barrier of earwax has been compromised. To better understand how it works, here are 8 changes in earwax and what they mean:

Gray earwax

If you notice gray earwax on your cotton swab, there are two possible explanations. It could be the surrounding dust caused by pollution, especially in big cities, or genetics. In fact, according to the Hearing Guide by Bruno Frachet and Émilie Vormés, earwax is genetically determined. For example, Asians and Native Americans have gray, dry earwax, while Caucasians and Africans have moist, honey-brown earwax.

Earwax with traces of blood

When you insert a cotton swab into your ear and wax containing blood comes out, this indicates the presence of an ear hemorrhage, or blood coming out of the ear. There may be various causes, such as vigorous cleaning, a violent shock, an infection such as an ear infection, or even the presence of a tumor. In all cases, it is recommended to consult a doctor promptly.

Brown earwax

If you notice brown earwax after cleaning your ears, it is likely due to an overproduction of earwax. This means that you feel very tired and that your body is fighting off the invasion of germs and pathogens. Take care of your immune system by eating a varied and balanced diet, exercising regularly, staying hydrated, and sleeping well.

Black earwax

The presence of black earwax usually indicates an overproduction of earwax to fight off invading germs or pathogens. However, if it is accompanied by discharge and itching, it is advisable to consult a doctor as it could be a fungal infection.

Our ears reveal our true state of health