What Colour Should My Ear Wax Be?

If you’re concerned about your ear health, or even just curious about what healthy ear wax looks like, then read on to find out what causes different coloured ear wax and when you should seek medical attention.

What colour should healthy ear wax be?

Healthy ear wax doesn’t always look the same for different people, and there are lots of factors that can change its colour. In general, ear wax is usually yellow, orange or brown in colour. When it is first produced, ear wax is a light yellow colour and gradually darkens as it ages. So if your ear wax is a darker orange or brown colour, then this is an indicator that it has been in your ear for longer than paler wax.

Why is ear wax yellow?

Ear wax contains a mixture of fatty acids, which are found in the sebum excreted by the sebaceous glands in your ear. It is the sebum that lubricates and protects your ears from harmful bacteria, and it’s the fatty acids found in this substance that are believed to give ear wax its yellow colour.

What causes ear wax discolouration?

The longer ear wax stays in your ear, the more likely it is to pick up dead skin cells and dirt over time which causes it to darken. Ear wax is typically yellow when it is produced, and darkens to orange or brown the longer it stays in your ear.

What causes black ear wax?

Black ear wax is usually an indicator of a wax build up in your ear canal, as the darker in colour your ear wax is then the longer it has been in your ear. If your ear wax is very dark brown or black in colour, then it has been in your ear a long time and could indicate a blockage.

What causes white ear wax?

Dry or flaky white ear wax can indicate dry skin in the ear canal. The wax is usually pale yellow when it is first produced, and if it picks up flaky skin this can lighten its appearance. This is not usually a cause for concern and is very common.

What causes brown/orange ear wax?

Brown or orange ear wax indicates healthy ear wax production. Darker wax just means that it’s picked up dead skin cells or dirt that have entered your ear canal – and this means your ear wax is doing its job!

What causes green/red ear wax?

Green or red tinged ear wax is likely to indicate a problem within your ears. If your ear wax is looking green or has a foul smell, then this could be a sign of an ear infection. A red colour in the wax can be a sign of blood from injury or damage to the ear canal. 

What should I do if my ear wax is discoloured?

If your ear wax is yellow, orange or brown, then you have healthy wax and don’t need to take action. However, if you start to notice different coloured ear wax then it might be time to speak to an audiologist.

If your ear wax is very dark or black, you might have a blockage or impacted ear wax. This isn’t always a problem, and can be easily fixed using home treatments. For more severe blockages, it is recommended that you speak to your audiologist to discuss treatment.

Dry white ear wax is rarely a cause for concern, and just means that you might have dry or flaky skin in your ear canal. There are many treatments for dry skin in the ears, including at-home or over-the-counter remedies such as ear drops or petroleum jelly, that can help to relieve flaking or itching.

If you are concerned that you may have an ear infection due to green-tinged ear wax, it is recommended that you speak to your GP or audiologist. They can recommend at-home or over-the-counter treatments for mild infections, or prescribe treatment for more serious infections.

Red blood in your ear wax is not always a cause for concern, as you may just have a small cut or abrasion in your ear canal that will heal on its own. However, if you are noticing large amounts of blood in your ear wax or are finding it over longer periods of time, especially if the blood is accompanied by sensitivity or pain in the ear, it might be time to speak to a medical professional such as your GP or audiologist.

The colour of your ear wax can be a sign that your ears are healthy, or an indicator of problems with your ears, so it’s important to pay attention to it if you suspect you might have a blockage or infection in your ear canal. If you are local to Suffolk and are concerned about the colour of your ear wax, book in with an audiologist and seek professional advice.