WebMD 1:01: What’s the Deal With Ear Wax?
Hide Video Transcript
Video Transcript
[DRUM SOUNDS]
[WAXY SOUND]
[BOING]
Just--
[MUSIC PLAYING]
The outer ear canal has special glands that produce an oily, waxy substance called cerumen, more commonly known as ear wax.
After the wax is produced, the motion we make when we chew helps move the wax from the outer ear canal to the opening of the ear.
[WATER FALLING]
[WHISTLE]
But why do we even have these ear boogers or ear wax?
[WATER RUNNING]
preventing dry, itchy years,
[TRUMPETS]
and it also traps dust, particles, and microorganisms trying to get deeper into our ear canals and kicks them to the curb.
[KARATE KICKS]
[DING] [MUSIC PLAYING]
[WAXY SOUND]
[BOING]
NOAH
Earwax-- of all the waxes in the human body, it's probably the most misunderstood wax. For one, ear wax-- shouldn't it be called ear boogers? Leah
Yes, it should, Noah. But that is a pipe dream, and we both know it. NOAH
Yes, but hear me out-- Leah
Let it go, Noah. NOAH
It's got-- Leah
Let it go. NOAH
--but I-- mm. Leah
Really. Just--
NOAH
Mm-hm. Leah
Instead, let's focus on the wonder that is ear wax. [MUSIC PLAYING]
The outer ear canal has special glands that produce an oily, waxy substance called cerumen, more commonly known as ear wax.
NOAH
Should be called ear boogers. Leah
Agreed. But this is not the time, Noah. After the wax is produced, the motion we make when we chew helps move the wax from the outer ear canal to the opening of the ear.
NOAH
Then it either falls out or is removed when you wash. [WATER FALLING]
[WHISTLE]
But why do we even have these ear boogers or ear wax?
Leah
Because it has several key jobs, like protecting and moisturizing the ear canal, [WATER RUNNING]
preventing dry, itchy years,
[TRUMPETS]
and it also traps dust, particles, and microorganisms trying to get deeper into our ear canals and kicks them to the curb.
EAR WAX
Wah! [KARATE KICKS]
Leah
So I bet that'll make you think twice about cleaning your ears. NOAH
You know, my grandmother used to say, the only thing you should put in your ear is your elbow. Leah
She sounds like a wise woman. NOAH
She also invented the term ear boogers. Leah
Oh, makes her all the more wiser. NOAH
Love you, Grandma. [DING] [MUSIC PLAYING]