By: Dr Harpreet singh
Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is produced by glands in the outer ear canal. Some of the vital roles of the earwax includes trapping dust and debris, acting like a moisturiser, and helps protect against infections by creating a slightly acidic environment that inhibits bacterial and fungal growth.In essence, earwax is not dirt, it’s a natural defense system
Despite the popular belief that cotton buds clean the ear, they often do the opposite. Wax is pushed deeper near the ear drum causing ear blockage. In the process of cleaning the ear , the delicate skin of the ear canal can be scratched causing ear pain and infection,and also If the cotton tip from a plastic earbud comes loose and gets stuck in the ear during cleaning, it can become a breeding ground for infection. If the bud is inserted too deeply, a cotton bud can rupture the eardrum, causing hearing loss.Over cleaning of ear removes the protective ear wax and makes it more prone for infections.
Cotton buds may seem harmless, but they’re one of the leading causes of avoidable ear injuries. Instead of removing wax, they often push it deeper, leading to blockages and muffled hearing. They can easily injure the skin of ear canals causing both bacterial and fungal infections. In more severe cases, a bud can puncture the eardrum causing sudden pain, hearing loss.
If injuries from improper ear cleaning are left untreated, the consequences can be serious. This includes persistent hearing loss, chronic ear infections spreading deeper into the head eventually leading to more serious problems like vertigo and dizziness. Damage or wax impaction can lead to persistent ringing in the ears known as Tinnitus. Children are more prone to ear injuries due to their narrower canals, while older adults are at increased risk because of drier earwax and more fragile skin. Also people using hearing aids, due to more wax buildup in their ears are more prone to some of these infections
The idea that cotton buds are safe for cleaning ears comes from a mix of habit and wrong information. Many people learn to use them from watching family members do it, so it becomes a usual part of their cleaning routine. There’s also a common mistake about earwax, which is often thought of as dirty instead of being a natural, protective part of the ear.
The safest ways to remove earwax are those performed or recommended by medical professionals. These include using ear drops to soften the wax, gentle irrigation with warm water, and manual removal by an ENT specialist using tools like a wax hook or suction device. These methods minimize the risk of injury and infection. Hydrogen peroxide is a popular home remedy for ear cleaning, but it’s actually one of the worst things and should not be used as it can irritate the sensitive skin inside the ear canal, worsen dryness, and even lead to infections or damage.
Dr. Harpreet Singh, MBBS, MS, DNB, is a Consultant ENT Surgeon at Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi.
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