Most parents don't give ear wax a lot of thought. It's out of sight, out of mind until your toddler's ears need cleaning – or until it causes problems. So what is this stuff, and what's the best way to deal with it?

Ear wax – technically called cerumen, which consists of keratin, oils and cholesterol – is produced by glands in the outer part of the ear canal. It ranges in color from honey brown to dark brown and actually has an important job.

"A normal amount [of ear wax] is needed to maintain the health of the ear canal," says Dr. Amy Brenski, pediatric otolaryngologist and medical director of the ENT department at Children's Medical Center Dallas. "It is slightly acidic and inhibits the growth of fungi and bacteria normally living on skin."

When everything functions normally, ear wax works like a conveyor belt, aided by jaw movements, cleaning and lubricating the ear canal by moving debris toward the outer ear, where it is deposited.

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