For many, the presence of ear wax (cerumen) is a sign the ear needs to be cleaned. Cerumen is actually the body’s way of protecting the ear canal by keeping it lubricated and preventing contaminants from reaching the inner ear. Ear wax even has antibacterial qualities. The ear’s design, combined with the act of chewing, helps move the cerumen toward the outside of the ear. In this way, the ears are self-cleaning.