What is ear wax?

By Pure Matters

Earwax, also called cerumen, is naturally produced by the outer part of the ear canal to keep the ear clean.

It performs this task by trapping dust and sand particles before they reach the eardrum.

Wax also coats the fragile skin of the ear canal and acts as a water repellent.

Accumulated wax usually migrates to the ear opening, dries up, and falls out.

Source: http://resources.purematters.com/healthy-body/ears-and-airplane-travel-ear-wax-and-ear-cleaning