Earwax serves several essential roles in the body, especially protecting the hearing system from infections. Cleaning the ears is important, but it must be done correctly to avoid harm, according to a prominent otolaryngologist.
Cotton swabs, in particular, can damage the outer ear canal and invite germs that are usually present. This can lead to external otitis, an inflammation of the ear canal.
There are times when the eardrum gets injured, which is painful and potentially dangerous. While ruptured eardrums can sometimes heal on their own, there is a real risk of chronic otitis media that may trouble a person for years or even require microsurgery.
Using a cotton swab when there is substantial earwax can push debris toward the eardrum, causing severe ear fullness and discomfort.
People who deal with frequent earwax blockages know firsthand that swabs can worsen the condition and drive more frequent doctor visits to clear earwax plugs.
On proper ear cleaning, the expert notes that in most cases the deeper parts of the external auditory canal are self-cleaning. The wax tends to accumulate on the outer part and can be removed with a gentle wash of the hair and a small amount of soap on the fingers used for washing.
The most important step from here is to tilt the head to the side and thoroughly dry the ears with a towel after washing.
A neurologist has previously warned about dangerous causes of tinnitus, underscoring the importance of addressing ear health directly to prevent related symptoms.