Earwax is made in the outer ear canal, the area between the fleshy part of the ear on the outside of the head and the middle ear. The medical term for earwax is cerumen. Earwax has many important functions. It helps protect the eardrum and ear canal by providing a waterproof lining for the ear canal, helping to keep it dry and preventing germs from causing infection. It also traps dirt, dust, and other particles, keeping them from injuring or irritating the eardrum. After the wax is produced, it slowly makes its way through the outer ear canal to the opening of the ear. Then it either falls out or comes out during bathing. In most people, the outer ear canal makes earwax all the time, so the canal always has enough wax in it. In most cases, nothing needs to be done to remove earwax from ears. Regular bathing is typically enough to keep it at healthy levels. Sometimes doctors will remove earwax from a person’s ear because it’s causing pain and discomfort or interfering with hearing, or to get a better view of the eardrum to check for problems. Removal takes just a few minutes and usually doesn’t require any further treatment. If there’s a sign of infection, the doctor may prescribe eardrops with antibiotics. But further home treatment usually isn’t needed after most removals.