Earwax, also known as cerumen, is produced by the ear to clean and protect itself. The wax and tiny hairs in the ear trap dust and other foreign particles that could damage deeper structures, such as your eardrum.

People with too little earwax are likely to experience itchy ears and are more prone to infection. Conversely, ear canals that are blocked up with earwax can cause earaches, mild deafness, a sensation of fullness in the ear, tinnitus, infections and other problems.