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Can you think of something you do that's nearly irresistible, widely popular, but a bad idea that's based on a health myth? That's right, I'm talking about inserting cotton-tipped swabs into your ears.
According to guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, experts strongly discourage twirling cotton-tipped swabs in the ears. Here's why.
1. It's unnecessary
The ear is self-cleaning. No routine maintenance is required. If you're inserting swabs into your ears to remove earwax or prevent its buildup, think again. Earwax is produced within the ear canal and naturally migrates from deeper inside to outside. There are exceptions, of course. Some people make more than the average amount of earwax, and for others (especially older adults) it becomes harder and drier than usual. Even in these situations, inserting a swab inside the ear is not the answer. More on this in a moment.
2. It may be harmful
Inserting a cotton tipped swab (or anything else) into the ear can damage the ear canal or eardrum, or push earwax farther into the canal, making it harder to remove. This may cause a feeling of pressure in the ear and diminished hearing. Even worse, clumps of earwax pushed down near the eardrum can lead to painful ear infections.
3. Earwax is not a sign of poor hygiene
Here's where there seems to be some misunderstanding. Earwax — the medical term is "cerumen" — is there for good reasons. Among other things, cerumen:
- is a natural moisturizer, preventing the skin inside the ear from becoming too dry
- traps dirt and dust before they can reach deep into the canal
- absorbs dead skin cells and debris
- prevents bacteria and other infectious organisms from reaching the inner ear.
Some people make more earwax, while others make less. The makeup of earwax varies depending on ethnicity, age, environment, and even diet. While there seems to be a certain "ick" factor associated with earwax, it's not a reflection of uncleanliness; in fact, it's a sign of normal, healthy ears.
What to do about "cerumenosis"
Buildup of earwax can cause symptoms. When it does, doctors call it "cerumenosis" and recommend over-the-counter ear drops that can soften earwax and allow it to exit the ear more easily (with gentle irrigation, such as during a shower). Or, a healthcare provider can look inside your ear and use instruments specifically designed to remove earwax.
In conclusion…
There's a reason the makers of cotton-tipped swabs put this warning on their packaging: "Do not insert swab into ear canal. Entering the ear canal could cause injury." But, it still goes on. Perhaps it's just too tempting or satisfying. Perhaps no one reads the labels of the products they use. Or maybe the myths about earwax are too ingrained to be easily dispelled by facts. Whatever the reasons, now you know to stop putting cotton-tipped swabs into your ears. And that also goes for unfolded paper clips, pen caps, or whatever else you've been using!
FAQs
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, as long as the ears are functioning properly, people should not be trying to remove ear wax, and should leave it alone. For the vast majority, ear wax does not cause any problems and there isn't a need to remove it.
Should earwax be left alone? ›
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, as long as the ears are functioning properly, people should not be trying to remove ear wax, and should leave it alone. For the vast majority, ear wax does not cause any problems and there isn't a need to remove it.
Why we should remove ear wax? ›
Earwax can interfere with hearing, cause infections and be downright uncomfortable. Many people think it's dirty and can't fight the urge to clean it out, especially if they feel or see it.
What are the health benefits of ear wax? ›
Trapping and preventing dust, bacteria, and other germs and small objects from entering and damaging the ear. Protecting the delicate skin of the ear canal from getting irritated when water is in the canal.
What are the reasons for no ear wax? ›
It can be as simple as not being able to produce enough earwax or cleaning the ears too much. Dry ears can also be linked to skin allergies, and to other dry skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. In most cases, it can easily be treated.
Is it bad to not remove ear wax? ›
An ear canal plugged up with earwax can cause earaches, infections, and other problems. If it gets lodged in a certain way, earwax can cause a cough by stimulating the branch of the vagus nerve that supplies the outer ear. And, not surprisingly, an excess of earwax can result in some loss of hearing.
Is it bad to remove earwax with finger? ›
But don't use a cotton swab, a finger, or anything else to poke inside the ear. It could damage the delicate ear canal and eardrum, or pack the wax in even further. Check with your doctor before using an over-the-counter earwax removal treatment.
Is it better to leave ear wax? ›
A doctor or nurse can look into the ear canal and confirm a plug of earwax has formed. A plug of earwax is not a serious problem, more a nuisance. You only need to remove earwax if it is causing symptoms such as dulled hearing or when fitting a hearing aid.
What are the three main functions of ear wax? ›
Earwax plays three roles, cleaning, lubrication and protection. Cleaning: Earwax captures dead skin cells in the outer ear canal. While the rest of the body's skin cells are removed naturally by brushing against clothing, water, etc., skin cells in the ear have to be caught by the wax and then evacuated.
Is too much earwax bad? ›
Despite its many benefits, earwax can cause issues if too much of it builds up. Cerumen impaction may result in ear pain, itchiness, ringing in your ears, hearing loss or other issues. When necessary, a healthcare provider can help you with earwax removal.
Pucker Up. Stuck on a cold wintery day with dry, chapped lips? No problem – smear on some earwax, allegedly the original lip balm. Earwax is known to relieve itching, burning and prevent wound formation, which are the primary uses for lip balms like ChapStick and Blistex.
Does earwax have a purpose? ›
Healthy ears contain wax, which is produced by a special lining in the ear canal. Wax protects the tissues, and helps prevent infection by trapping micro-organisms, dirt and other irritants. Wax is constantly travelling towards the outer ear where it can drop out.
What happens if you don't clean your ears for years? ›
The earwax can harden and become impacted, which can cause a blockage in the ear canal. This can lead to a number of symptoms, including: Hearing loss: The accumulation of earwax can cause a temporary or permanent hearing loss, depending on the amount of earwax and how long it has been present.
What builds up earwax? ›
What causes a build up of earwax?
- producing naturally hard or dry earwax.
- having narrow or hairy ear canals (the tube between the opening of the ear and the eardrum)
- being elderly, as earwax becomes drier with age.
- bony growths in the outer part of the ear canal.
Earwax is slightly acidic, and it has antibacterial properties. Without earwax, the ear canal would become dry, waterlogged, and prone to infection.
What dissolves ear wax immediately? ›
If the aim is to completely break down the wax, waxsol, peroxide 3% or a sodium bicarbonate solution (which can be prepared by your local pharmacist) is effective.
Is it bad to leave ear wax build up? ›
If left untreated, excessive earwax may cause earwax impaction symptoms to worsen. These symptoms might include hearing loss, ear irritation, tinnitus and other issues. A buildup of earwax might also make it difficult to see into your ear, which may result in potential issues going undiagnosed.
Is earwax supposed to fall out on its own? ›
Ear Canals are Self-Cleaning
The wax dries up and becomes flaky. It falls out of the ear on its own. There are some people who produce much more earwax than others. For such people periodic ear cleaning may be needed.
Does ear wax work itself out? ›
Earwax blockage that has no symptoms can sometimes clear on its own. However, if you have signs and symptoms of earwax blockage, talk to your health care provider.
Why don't doctors remove ear wax anymore? ›
There are several reasons this service is often no longer offered in primary care, some of which are based on misunderstandings. First, manual water-filled syringes for flushing out earwax can cause high pressure of water and might damage the patient's ears – not something a GP wants to be responsible for doing.
