Why you should not use cotton buds to clean your inner ear – And safe ways to do it instead

Many people like to use cotton buds, matchsticks, hairpins, or other sharp objects to clean the inside of their ears. They believe they are removing dirt. But doctors strongly warn against this habit. The truth is, earwax is not “dirt” that must always be removed. In fact, using these objects can do more harm than good.

Here are five medical reasons why you should stop this habit:

1. You can injure your ear canal
   The skin inside your ear is soft and very delicate. When you insert objects into it, you can scratch or tear the skin. This can cause pain, swelling, and bleeding. It also makes it easier for germs to enter your ear and cause infection.
2. You might push the wax deeper
   Instead of removing the wax, most objects push it further into your ear. This can block the ear canal, making it harder for sound to pass through. It can also cause discomfort, pressure, and temporary hearing loss.
3. You risk damaging your eardrum
   The eardrum is a thin, sensitive membrane deep inside your ear. If you push an object too far, you can tear it. This is very painful and may lead to hearing problems or even permanent damage.
4. You can cause infection
   Using unclean objects or injuring the skin inside your ear creates a perfect space for bacteria to grow. This can lead to an ear infection, which often comes with pain, swelling, discharge, and sometimes fever.
5. Earwax is not “dirt”
   Many people think earwax is a sign of poor hygiene, but that is not true. Earwax protects your ear by trapping dust and germs and stopping them from going deeper. Your ear is designed to clean itself naturally, as the wax slowly moves out on its own.

ALSO READ

• Exploring the Features of Nothing’s Ear and Ear Earbuds: A Professional Perspective
• World Cotton Day and other International Days in October
• Nothing’s latest Earbuds target Sony’s LinkBuds
• Mohbad: ‘He struggled till death’- Late singer’s partner addresses demise
• Don Jazzy appeals to upcoming musicians

Safe, Doctor-Approved Ways to Clean Your Ears

If you feel your earwax is too much or making you uncomfortable, here are safer ways to manage it:

• 1. Let your ears clean themselves – Most of the time, you do not need to do anything. Earwax naturally works its way out as you chew or talk.
• 2. Wipe only the outside – Use a soft cloth to gently clean the outer part of your ear after your bath.
• 3. Use ear drops – Pharmacies sell earwax-softening drops. These make it easier for the wax to come out naturally.
• 4. See a doctor – If you have too much wax or you feel blocked, an ear specialist can safely remove it using the right tools.

Your ears are delicate, and you only have one pair for life. Protect them by avoiding harmful cleaning habits. The best way to care for your ears is to keep foreign objects out and trust your body’s natural cleaning process.