Believe it or not, this is one of the most frequently asked questions and it's important to remember why we have earwax. Cerumen, often referred to as earwax, is produced by the ear for several different reasons. It collects dirt, debris and bacteria, preventing unwanted foreign bodies from entering the ear. Earwax also has lubrication properties to keep the ears from getting dry and itchy. Finally, earwax acts as an antifungal and antibacterial, helping ...