The chemicals have to be in contact with each other in order for any type of chemical reaction to take place. One of the most common examples of a chemical reaction is the rusting of a fence. The combining of the metal and the oxygen causes bonds to break and new ones to be created, which results in the creation of iron oxide or rust.
The ear canal cleans itself with a waxy secretion called cerumen. Cerumen is resistant to water, sticky (to trap dust) and migrates out of the ear canal to self-clean the ear. Sometimes, the wax builds up and causes symptoms, including mild deafness and a sensation of fullness inside the ear.
The Purpose of Ear Wax. Ear wax (cerumen) lines the ear canal, protecting the skin from water and trapping bacteria and other debris, then expelling it. Ear wax is usually beneficial and should not be removed. A small amount of ear wax may occasionally be expelled from the outer ear canal, and it can be cleaned out using a clean wash rag over your little finger.