Earwax Is Actually Good For Your Southern Nevada Health

I don’t want to be gross, but let’s talk about your earwax.

A Little Wax is Good for Your Ears

I know many of us, including me, are intent on making sure we have no waxy build up in our ears, but here’s the kicker: a little wax is good. It’s waterproof, antimicrobial, and your ear’s natural defense system. Itchy ears can be a sign to you that you are being too aggressive in earwax removal.

Dry Ear Wax Problems in the Desert

The western desert is conspiring to sabotage your inner ear health. In Southern Utah and Nevada, the air is so dry it could suck the moisture out of a cactus. That same arid air dries out your earwax, turning it from a protective balm into hard deposits that can damage your ear. Keep tabs on your ears, if you are having a hard time hearing or ear pain you may have hardened earwax.

Earbud Use Affects Your Inner Ear

It has been a long time—like 5 years or more—since I have seen someone, anyone out in public without a pair of earbuds in their ears. It is great that we can listen to music, podcasts, sounds of the street we are walking, conversations you might have with strangers whenever we want, but ear buds not only make it tough for us to connect but can be hard on your inner ears.

Read More: Ways to Improve Your Hearing

True, the volume level can be dangerous, but you also risk capturing the earwax inside your ear. Your inner ear—like so much of your organism—needs to breathe (no lungs we are not trying to rent space in your lane; you do a great job breathing).

Eat Oil for Inner Ear Health

So what are we desert dwellers to do? We can encourage healthy wax by starting from the inside out. Adding healthy oils to your diet — think avocado, olive oil, and omega-3s can help hydrate your skin (and ear canals) from within. And if you’re feeling fancy, a drop of mineral oil in the ear (doctor-approved, of course) can help keep things soft and healthy down there.

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