Dark brown or black colored earwax is typically older, so its color comes from the dirt and bacteria it has trapped. Adults tend to have darker, harder earwax. Dark brown earwax that is tinged with red may signal a bleeding injury. Light brown, orange or yellow earwax is healthy and normal.

Is dark earwax a problem?

Sometimes it can be other colors, including dark brown or black. Black earwax is rarely cause for concern. In many cases, black earwax is just a sign your ear has earwax buildup. It may also mean your ear doesn't naturally remove earwax as well as it should.

Does dark earwax mean I have hearing damage?

Complications and when to see the doctor

Black earwax alone is rarely a cause for concern. It may mean your ear canal isn't emptying earwax out as efficiently as it should. This can cause side effects, such as hearing loss, but it's rarely an emergency.