How to Promote Cerumen Production

Some people don't produce enough ear wax, which can lead to infections.

Cerumen, otherwise known as ear wax, is produced by glands in the ear canal and protects the ear from infections and removes dead skin cells. According to the Audiologist Awareness Campaign, if the ear doesn't produce enough earwax, it is more susceptible to infections, fungi and insects. However, overproduction of cerumen can cause ear infections, so it is important to work with your doctor to increase ear wax production.

Instructions

1. Consult your doctor to determine if your body is creating enough ear wax. According to the Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, young children and the elderly produce the most ear wax, while young adults produce the least.

2. Watch a scary or sad movie. According to the Audiology Awareness Campaign, stress, fear and anxiety can trigger ear wax production.

3. Take medications that increase ear wax production. According to audiologists Ross J. Roeser of the University of Texas, pitocin, epinephrine and norepinephrine increase cerumen production.

4. Vigorously chew your food. Rigorous chewing stimulates the ear glands that produce earwax.

Tips & Warnings

• According to Roeser and Roland cleaning the ear canal regularly increases earwax production. However, ears are easily damaged and cleaning must be done by a doctor.

References

• South Alabama University: "What Audiologists Must Know About Cerumen and Cerumen Management"; Ross J. Roeser and Peter Roland; 1992
• Audiology Awareness Campaign: Ear Wax
• The Internet Journal of Otorhinolaryngology: "Wax: An Overview"; Nitish Baisakhiya M.S; 2009