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Ear wax

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tonyb | 15:18 Thu 13th Dec 2001 | Body & Soul
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What's the point of ear wax?
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I believe it performs the same function as the mucus lining the nasal passages, and for the same reason. Both sets of orifices connect extremely delicate and easily damaged tissues with outside air, which is full of potentially damaging foreign bodies - dust, pollen, insects etc. The mucus and wax act as traps for any such invading organism which may, if unchecked, cause damage to the hearing or scent organs. The wax and mucus are periodically discharged naturally, taking the unwelcome visitors outside the body with them.
Additionally it protects the ear from winds and chill. The more you remove the more will be reproduced, so don't exaggerate. Especially women should never use those small cleaning sticks, since their ears will eventually react with unbearable itching and even inflammations. But in general, do not clean the inside of your ears, always just the outer, visible parts.
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