How Do Genes Affect Earwax?

Posted on Mon, 10 Oct 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 10 Oct 2016 Answered on

Fri, 4 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I remember Dr. Oz once mentioning that if your ear wax turned dry it could be a sign you have ..................?
However, I can't remember what he said. I just know that my earwax has turned from normal to dry and my ears have become itchy and peeling. I also have a buzzing in my left ear. Don't know if these are connected. I haven't been able to find anything online and I even tried to contact Dr. Oz's show, but got no response. Any help you can give would be appreciated. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Details as discussed below:

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. Ear wax type is a genetic trait. It is not known why the wax is dry or wet in different people. It can vary from ear to ear in the same person.

2. The theories include stress, low grade infections (including fungal), repeated trauma to the ear canal, dry skin conditions, allergy and so on. Referred sensations to the ear from the upper body such as in gastritis (acidity) can cause these changes.

3. First, get a checkup of the ear to ascertain that the ear drums are intact. Start an anti-allergy medication (such as fexofenadine), an anti-reflux medication (such as rabeprazole) and use a homeopathic formulation known as Mullein Ear Oil. This can be instilled as drops and used on q-tips (ear buds). Do not use dry cotton. You can use this daily and then decrease the frequency to twice a week. Allopathic ear drops help in certain situations, but are harsh on the delicate ear canal skin.

4. Most patient find relief with the above treatment.

I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar