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Some people’s ears produce wax like busy little bees. This can be a problem even though earwax appears to serve an important purpose. Experts say it protects and cleans the ear. It (36) dirt and other matter and keeps (37) out. Doctors think it might also help protect against (38) And the waxy oil keeps ears from getting too dry. So earwax is good. It even has a medical name: cerumen. There are two kinds of cerumen. Most people of (39) or African ancestry have the "wet" kind0: thick and (40) . East Asians commonly have "dry" earwax.
But you can have too much of a good thing. The glands in the ear canal that produce the wax make too much in some people. Earwax is normally (41) ; it falls out of the ear or gets washed away. But extra wax can (42) and form a blockage that (43) with sound waves and reduces hearing. (44) Earwax removal is sometimes necessary. But you have to use a safe method or you could do a lot of damage.
Experts suggest some ways to treat excessive earwax yourself. (45) Another way to remove wax is known as irrigation. With the head upright, take hold of the outer part of the ear. Gently pull upward to straighten the ear canal. (46) . Then turn the head to the side to let the water out.