The growth rate and nature of earwax varies from person to person, so the frequency of cleaning varies. Cerumen is secreted by the cerumen glands in the cartilage of the external ear canal and can be dry or wet. The cerumen is an acidic medium that blocks outside dust and bugs and protects the external ear canal and tympanic membrane. If it is frequently removed with a sharp instrument, the skin of the external ear canal is easily scratched, leading to local trauma and inflammation. In some patients, cerumen gland secretion is too strong, or the presence of otitis externa causes obstruction of cerumen discharge, which can lead to cerumen blockage of the ear and needs to be cleared by a specialized ENT department. For small, scattered, spotted pieces or granules of cerumen, there is usually no discomfort and cleaning is usually not necessary. However, even for earwax that needs to be cleaned, patients should not do it on their own or have others help with it to avoid scratching the outer ear canal or even cutting the eardrum.