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.
Ear wax is helpful to coat the skin of the ear canal where it acts as a temporary water repellent. The absence of ear wax may result in dry, itchy ears, and even infection. Ear wax is formed in the outer third of the ear canal. Cerumen varies in form and appearance from person to person. It may be almost liquid, firm and solid, or dry and flaky. The color of ear wax varies depending upon its composition. Glandular secretions, sloughed skin cells, normal bacteria present on the surface of the canal, and water may all be present in ear wax.