Is it normal for the inside of the ear to be wet?
Nov 28, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
It is possible for the ear to be wet, which may be normal or abnormal. Some people are born with oily ears due to genetic factors that cause moisture inside the ear. However, damage to hair follicles and ceruminous glands in the external auditory canal can trigger external otitis; acute or chronic ear eczema can lead to excessive exudation of light yellow fluid from the ear canal skin, resulting in a wet ear. Cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea can also cause a wet ear. All of these conditions are considered abnormal.
The ear being wet may be normal or abnormal, depending on the specific underlying cause.
1. May be normal
Some individuals are born with "oily ears," characterized by excessive secretions from the ceruminous and sebaceous glands, resulting in more brownish-yellow, oily, and sticky earwax that can make the ear feel moist. Additionally, genetic and racial factors may also contribute to a naturally wet ear canal. These cases are considered normal physiological phenomena.
2. May be abnormal
If a person frequently cleans or digs into the ears, it may damage hair follicles and ceruminous glands in the external auditory canal, potentially leading to external otitis (ear infection) and causing this symptom. Acute or chronic eczema of the ear canal can also result in significant light yellow exudate from the skin, making the ear feel wet. Moreover, after head trauma, cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea (leakage of CSF through the ear) may occur, leading to a persistently wet ear. All these conditions are abnormal and require medical evaluation at a hospital. Treatment should be administered under a physician's guidance based on the underlying cause.
