Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is mostly brownish in color and is a waxy secretion from the sebaceous glands in the ear canal. It contains sebum and shed skin cells. It protects the skin of the outer ear canal, helps in cleaning it, and also protects against the entry of bacteria, fungi, insects, and water.

If you frequently experience ear pain, it is a significant issue as ear pain is considered one of the worst pains. Initially, it may be associated with a cold or draft, but that doesn't necessarily mean you've identified the cause. You need a more thorough examination, and part of that can be deduced from the color and type of ear wax.

1. Yellow or green color
If the ear wax is green, yellow, black, or white during cleaning, it indicates a serious infection that requires a doctor's examination. Such infections can develop rapidly, making it almost impossible to determine the cause. React quickly.

2. Flaky ear wax
If the ear wax is flaky and the skin in the ear canal is peeling, it could be a sign of eczema. If this persists for more than a week, it could potentially be due to psoriasis.

3. Ear wax with a strong odor
Ear wax should not have any smell. An odor usually indicates an infection, which may not only be superficial. If it's an internal infection, you should also consult a doctor as soon as possible.

4. Ear discharge
It is normal for ears to sweat, but if you notice yellow stains on your pillow in the morning, be cautious as it could be a sign of a thyroid or hormonal issue. This could develop into something serious, so inform your doctor, especially if it has been happening for a while. If it is just occasional, try spending a day only drinking water ...

5. Ear wax buildup
If you feel a buildup in your ear canals, thickened wax can block the canals and you may need to see a doctor for cleaning. If you don't do this promptly, the wax plugs can form deeper in the ear canal, potentially leading to permanent damage to the eardrum.

6. Itchy ears
Itchy ears can be due to an excess of ear wax. This is a sign of infection as the ear is defending itself, possibly indicating an accumulation of ear wax caused by cleaning with cotton swabs, which tend to push excess wax deeper into the ear canal, irritating the eardrum and potentially causing damage.

7. Dry and dark ear wax
There is no cause for concern with this. It is just a sign of aging. Overall, it is beneficial to occasionally pay attention to ear wax, as it indicates that there is nothing wrong with your ears (yet).