Why do some people have more earwax than others?

Some people produce more earwax due to genetics, race, gland activity, ear canal anatomy, and environmental factors. For example, people with the ABCC11 gene variant for wet earwax tend to have thicker, stickier wax that accumulates more easily.

Does race affect earwax type?

Yes. East Asians typically have dry, flaky earwax, while Africans and Europeans usually have wet, sticky earwax. This difference is determined by genetics and has no negative health effects.

Is too much earwax dangerous?

Earwax itself is protective, but excessive buildup can cause symptoms like hearing loss, pain, tinnitus, or dizziness. It can also interfere with hearing aids. In such cases, safe removal or professional cleaning is recommended.

What is the safest way to remove earwax?

Safe methods include earwax-softening drops, bulb syringe irrigation, or professional removal by an audiologist or ENT. Cotton swabs should be avoided as they push wax deeper and increase risk of injury.

Why Do Some People Produce More Earwax Than Others?

Last Updated on August 20, 2025 by Jonathan Javid Au.D.

Earwax is essential for ear health, but why do some people seem to produce more than others? From genetics and race to ear canal shape and lifestyle habits, here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding excessive earwax production.

What Is Earwax and Why Do We Have It?

Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance made by glands in the outer ear canal. Its main functions include:

Protecting the ear by trapping dust, dirt, and bacteria.
Lubricating the skin of the ear canal to prevent dryness and itching.

Defending against infections with its antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Normally, earwax moves outward through chewing and jaw movement, eventually drying and falling out. Problems arise when wax accumulates faster than it can exit, causing blockage.

Why Do Some People Produce More Earwax?

Earwax production isn’t the same for everyone. Some factors that influence why people differ include:

1. Genetics

A gene called ABCC11 determines whether you have wet or dry earwax. Wet earwax, common in people of African and European descent, tends to be thicker and stickier. Dry earwax, common in East Asian populations, is lighter and flakier. Those with wet wax often feel like they “produce more.”

2. Gland Activity

Some people simply have more active ceruminous and sebaceous glands, just as some sweat more than others. This naturally increases earwax output.

3. Age

As we age, earwax becomes drier and harder. Combined with reduced natural ear canal cleaning, older adults may experience more impactions.

4. Ear Canal Shape

Narrow, curved, or hairy ear canals make it harder for wax to exit. Wax then builds up, giving the impression of “overproduction.”

5. Health Conditions

Skin disorders such as eczema or psoriasis increase shedding of skin cells, mixing with cerumen and causing more buildup. Chronic ear infections may also alter wax production.

6. Lifestyle & Environment

Headphones, earbuds, and hearing aids block wax from migrating outward and push it deeper.

Dusty or polluted environments may trigger the body to make more wax for protection.
Hormones and stress can influence gland secretions, potentially affecting earwax levels.

Earwax Differences by Race and Ethnicity

Race and ethnicity strongly influence earwax type due to genetics. Studies show:

Population	Earwax Type	Characteristics
East Asian (Chinese, Japanese, Korean)	Dry (80–95%)	Flaky, light-colored, less sticky, less odor-prone
African & European	Wet (90%+)	Sticky, darker, more likely to accumulate, associated with stronger body odor
South Asian / Native American	Mixed	Can be either wet or dry depending on genetic variation

Both types serve the same protective function. Wet wax tends to block ears more often, while dry wax flakes away more easily. Neither is healthier—it simply reflects your ancestry.

Is Too Much Earwax a Problem?

Most earwax is harmless, but excessive buildup (cerumen impaction) can cause symptoms such as:

Muffled hearing or sudden hearing loss

Ear pain or fullness
Itching or irritation
Tinnitus (ringing)

Dizziness or imbalance (less common)

Earwax can also clog hearing aid tubing or wax guards, leading to malfunction.

Common Myths About Earwax

Myth: Earwax means dirty ears.

Fact: Earwax is natural and healthy—it protects ears.

Myth: You should clean ears with cotton swabs daily.

Fact: Q-tips push wax deeper and may injure the eardrum.
Myth: More earwax means a health problem.

Fact: Some people just produce more, and it’s usually normal.

Safe Ways to Manage Excessive Earwax

1. Use Ear Drops

Over-the-counter ear drops with hydrogen peroxide, mineral oil, or saline soften wax for easier removal.

2. Try Gentle Irrigation

Bulb syringes with warm water may help, but only if you don’t have ear tubes or a history of eardrum perforation. (Affiliate link opportunity: Safe earwax removal kits on Amazon.)

3. Professional Removal

Audiologists or ENTs can safely remove wax using suction, irrigation, or instruments. This is the best option for recurring problems.

4. Hearing Aid Care

Hearing aid users should regularly replace wax guards and domes to prevent clogging.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you have:

Persistent ear pain
Sudden or significant hearing loss

Drainage, bleeding, or foul odor from the ear
Repeated blockages despite home treatment

Audiologist’s Note: I often see patients worried they “make too much wax.” In most cases, the issue is not overproduction, but the ear canal shape or habits (like earbuds) preventing natural clearance. A professional cleaning every 6–12 months often solves the problem.

Takeaway

Some people produce more earwax due to genetics, race, ear anatomy, health conditions, and lifestyle habits. While usually harmless, too much wax can cause hearing loss, discomfort, or interfere with hearing aids. Use safe cleaning methods, avoid Q-tips, and see a professional if you experience pain, hearing changes, or recurring blockages.