Grey or Light-Colored Earwax
Finding grey earwax on a cotton swab can be surprising — but it’s not always a sign of illness.
There are two common explanations:
1. Environmental factors
In cities or polluted environments, dust and airborne particles can mix with earwax, changing its color. This is especially common for people who spend a lot of time outdoors or in urban areas.
2. Genetics
According to hearing specialists Bruno Frachet and Émilie Vormès, earwax type is largely genetic.
- Many people of East Asian or Native American descent naturally produce dry, grey earwax
- Many people of African or European descent produce wetter, honey-colored or brown earwax
In these cases, grey earwax is completely normal.
Earwax With Traces of Blood
This is one situation that should not be ignored.
If you notice earwax mixed with blood, possible causes include:
- overly aggressive cleaning (especially with cotton swabs)
- scratches inside the ear canal
- ear infections such as otitis
- trauma or a sudden impact
In rare cases, persistent bleeding may be linked to more serious conditions.
Important: If blood appears repeatedly or without an obvious cause, a medical consultation is strongly recommended.
Brown or Dark Honey-Colored Earwax
Brown earwax is often normal — but context matters.
