What colour should my earwax be?
Earwax is usually yellow, orange or light to dark brown, which are all considered normal. The exact colour often depends on how old the wax is. Fresh earwax is typically lighter in colour, while older wax naturally darkens as it dries and collects tiny amounts of dust and debris.
Most changes in earwax colour aren’t a cause of concern. However, if your earwax is green, has a strong unpleasant smell, or is accompanied by pain, swelling or discharge, it could be a sign of an ear infection and should be checked by a healthcare professional. Wax that contains blood or is mixed with blood should also be seen to as soon as possible.
Remember that earwax is there to protect your ears by trapping dirt, dust and bacteria, so it doesn’t need to be removed unless it’s causing problems such as blocked hearing or discomfort.
If you’re worried about the colour of your earwax or think you may have a wax build up or blockage, it’s a good idea to book an appointment with a hearing healthcare professional who can examine your ears and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
You can browse the Ear Wax Removal category page or the Ear Hygiene category page for more.
