Think About Your Worksite and Job Tasks

Think About Your Worksite and Job Tasks: Why Ear Wax Management Matters

Ear wax might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about job safety or productivity—but if you wear hearing protection, work in noisy or dusty environments, or rely on clear communication, it should be on your radar.

Ear Wax: Small Issue, Big Impact

Ear wax (cerumen) protects your ears by trapping dirt, moisture, and bacteria. But depending on your work environment and tasks, ear wax can sometimes:

• Build up faster due to constant use of earplugs or earmuffs
• Interfere with hearing protection, reducing the seal and effectiveness
• Cause discomfort or pressure when using in-ear communication devices
• Muffle sound in jobs that require acute hearing

That means managing ear wax isn’t just about hygiene—it’s about staying safe and effective at work.

Worksite Conditions That Can Worsen Ear Wax Problems

• Loud Environments: Regular earplug use can push wax deeper or trap it
• Dusty or Dirty Areas: Debris mixes with wax and clogs the ear canal
• Wet or Humid Settings: Moisture softens wax, increasing the risk of impaction
• Jobs Requiring Clear Communication: Even small blockages can affect hearing accuracy