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.
Earwax definition and facts. 1  Earwax (ear wax) is a natural substance produced by glands in the skin of the outer ear canal. 2  The wax acts as a helpful coating for the ear canal so removal of it is not necessary. 3  Excessive wax buildup can be caused by putting small things in your ears like a hearing aid, hair pins, headphones, Q-tips, etc.