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, also known as cerumen, is a yellowish waxy material that is produced by the sebaceous gland in the ear canal inside the ear. Earwax lubricates, cleans and protects the lining of the ear canal by repelling water, trapping dirt and making sure insects, fungi and bacteria do not get through and harm the eardrum.