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From a medical site
Causes
The skin cells lining our outer ear canals include tiny glands, similar to sweat glands, which produce wax. The point seems to be that this acts as a protective layer, which traps dust and other particles which get into the ear. The wax slowly works its way to the outside, taking the trapped dirt and dust with it.
Most people's ears clear the wax, which probably comes off on our pillows and towels etc., at a rate which means that it does not build up. Some people may, at some stages in their lives produce wax at a faster rate. Other people have either one or both ear canals that is narrow, or that is at an angle which slows the natural passage of the wax. In these people the wax builds up.
The wax may eventually block off the ear canal all together. If this happens, hearing is reduced, and there is an increased likelihood that stagnation may lead to an infection building up behind the obstruction.
Prevention
Do not try to clean out your ears by using a cotton bud. (Ear Nose and Throat specialists sometimes say "You shouldn't stick anything in your ear that's any smaller than your elbow!") This may merely act like a ram rod, and could damage the ear drum.
It may help to wear ear plugs if you work in a particularly dusty environment.
If you keep getting ears blocked with wax, it may be worth using a couple of drops of olive oil into each ear once or twice a week.
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