Why you shouldn't clean your ears with cotton swabs

We can push the wax even deeper and thereby block the ear canal, the ear will stop hearing. Or damage that gray eardrum. Then it will take a long time, if not the whole life, to be treated by an ENT. Igor Manevich, otorhinolaryngologist at the Medicina clinic, doctor of the highest qualification category

It is easy to injure the skin of the ear canal when using cotton swabs. In the place of the wound, bacteria accumulate, and there is a high probability of earning otitis media. Other unpleasant consequences are possible: ringing in the ears, itching, irritation and inflammation. Rough use of the applicator can accidentally perforate the eardrum or damage the ossicles. And this threatens with hearing loss.

In my practice, there are a lot of patients with ear problems due to the use of cotton swabs. The most common complications are sulfur plugs, otomycosis, otitis externa, boils, perforation of the eardrum with bleeding from the ear. Sofya Abdukhatova otorhinolaryngologist of the mobile clinic DOC +

Why do you need sulfur

The fact is that sulfur is not dirt, but protection for our ears. It prevents insects from entering the ear canal.

Earwax also acts as an antibacterial and antifungal agent, preventing ear infections. It pushes dust, hairs, and dead cells away from the inner ear.

With cotton swabs, you can peel off the delicate protective layer of the skin and open the entrance gate for infections, which are very abundant in the external auditory canal, fungi, bacteria. They penetrate the delicate skin and cause inflammation - otitis media. Igor Manevich

All attempts to get rid of sulfur on their own will not lead to anything good. Your body will be able to clear your ear canal without your intervention.

Patients often complain: “I have a lot of sulfur”, “I have little sulfur”, “I have dark gray”, “I have yellow sulfur”. But no one will say for sure how much sulfur should be. It should be as much as needed at the moment for the ear, so that it feels comfortable. Igor Manevich

How to clean your ears properly

In fact, you don't need to do this. The only reason to remove wax is ear plugging and should be done by a doctor. But if you feel uncomfortable, you can wash your ears with soap and water. After shampooing, pat dry the outside of your ear with a towel.

Another safe way to clean your ears is to use cotton pads.

It is recommended to clean your ears 1-2 times a month using cotton pads soaked in water. Wipe the folds of the auricle and the entrance to the ear canal with them. Sofia Abdukhatova