Everyone has ear wax, and usually this sticky substance is a good thing. It can catch debris or bacteria that enters the ear and prevent infections. However, an overabundance of ear wax that becomes impacted in the ear canal can be quite painful as well as impede a doctor's examination of the ear to detect infection.

The presence of wax in your ears is a natural occurrence. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, specialized cells in the ear canal secrete a wax-like substance called cerumen designed to keep the inner ear protected from moisture and infection.

Ear wax is called cerumen by the medical community. According to the McKinley Health Center, cerumen is derived from the Latin word cera, or wax. Despite this, ear wax is not wax, but a mixture of dead skin, hair and fatty secretions produced by glands in the ear canal.

Sometimes trying to remove earwax can go awry, causing a variety of problematic symptoms, including ear pain. Learn the facts about ear pain after wax removal--when it’s OK, when it’s not OK, and when it calls for a visit to the doctor.

Some ear wax is necessary to protect the skin of the ear canal from infection, as well as to protect the inner parts of the ear from debris and insects which can get caught in the sticky substance. In general, ear wax takes care of itself, moving throughout the ear canal when necessary through jaw movements.

It can be difficult to determine if pain in your ear is caused by an accumulation of ear wax or swimmer’s ear, a common type of ear infection. Both conditions share some of the same symptoms.

Many people use cotton applicators to clean the insides of their ears. This is not necessary. In fact, inserting anything into the ear canal to clean your ear can cause major damage, including hearing loss, according to the Hearing Tutor website.

Ear wax serves an important purpose by trapping debris before it can get further into your ear. But when you accumulate too much ear wax, it can cause discomfort and trouble hearing. With a little vinegar and water, you can easily clean out your ears and remove excess wax.

Hydrogen peroxide provides an effective method of softening ear wax blocking the ear canal. Ear wax is necessary to protect the skin of the ear canal and trap bacteria and dust, but sometimes too much wax is produced.

While ear candling has deep historical roots, evidence suggests that it is not a safe or effective practice for removing excessive ear wax. The practice involves placing a cone-shaped candle inside your ear, tilting your head to one side, and lighting the other end of the candle.

Earwax, also called cerumen, naturally occurs in the outer one third of the ear canal. It aids the ear in protecting and lubricating the ear canal and offers antibacterial properties as well.

At-home care is commonly used to remove the buildup of wax that impacts your ears, causing unpleasant symptoms such as earache or plugged-up ears, hearing loss, tinnitus, itching, odor and discharge. Debrox Drops, a nonprescription earwax removal aid, uses carbamide peroxide as its active ingredient.