"Doctor, it feels amazing when I use cotton buds to clean my ears. But since yesterday, my right ear has completely blocked up and I can't hear. It's even starting to hurt inside my ear," 24-year-old Lahiru told Dr. Priya, covering his right ear with his hand.
Dr. Priya explained with a gentle smile, "Lahiru, although using ear sticks may provide temporary relief by stimulating the nerves in the ear, it also causes the wax to become even more impacted. Ear sticks are not suitable for cleaning the ears. The ear has a natural ability to clean itself. Continuous use of ear sticks can even cause a perforation of the eardrum."
What are the dangers to the ears caused by the cotton buds we commonly use to clean our ears? In this article, let's simply understand what earwax is and how to clean our ears safely.
What is the purpose of earwax in the outer ear?
Many people think of earwax as a dirty, sticky substance that accumulates in the ear. However, earwax, known in medical science as cerumen, is a natural secretion that is essential for ear health.
The wax produced by special glands in the ear canal performs the following functions:
- Preventing dust, dirt, and germs from outside from entering the ear.
- Preventing the ear canal from drying out and preserving its moisture.
- Allowing dead skin cells to naturally slough out of the ear.
Why is using cotton buds harmful to the ears?
Ear buds are designed to clean the outside of the ear, not to be inserted into the ear canal. Using them can cause the following dangers:
#### 1. Impacted Earwax:
When you insert a stick, the wax is pushed further towards the eardrum instead of coming out. This can cause the wax to become a thick layer and block the ear, causing hearing loss and earache.
#### 2. Eardrum Perforation:
If earplugs are inadvertently pushed too far in, they can puncture the eardrum, a very delicate membrane that absorbs sound waves. This can lead to temporary or permanent deafness.
#### 3. Scratching and infection of the ear canal (Otitis Externa):
The delicate skin in the ear canal can be damaged by earwax. These injuries can allow germs to enter and cause an infection in the outer ear.
#### 4. Cotton wool remaining in the ear:
In some cases, the cotton tip of the earwax becomes loose and remains in the ear, causing severe discomfort and infection.
๐ฉบ How to clean ears safely?
Normally, the ear has a natural ability to clean itself. When we chew and talk, the jaw movement gradually pushes old wax out. Simply wiping the outside of the ear with a towel after bathing is enough.
The following medical treatments can be used for patients with excessive accumulation of sputum:
- Ear Drops: As directed by a doctor, use a few drops of sodium bicarbonate drops or olive oil or baby oil to soften the earwax and allow it to dissolve naturally.
- Ear Irrigation / Syringing: If the earwax is hard, have a doctor safely rinse it out using saline solution.
- Micro-suction: Removal of earwax using suction devices by an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT Surgeon).
๐จ Red Flags That Should Prompt Medical Treatment
If you have the following symptoms, never put anything in your ear and see a doctor immediately:
- Discharge from the ear, such as pus, blood, or water.
- Sudden loss of hearing or ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
- Severe dizziness or loss of balance.
- Severe pain and fever around the eardrum.
๐ ๏ธ Action Steps to Protect Ear Health
- Step One: From today, completely stop putting any external objects, such as cotton buds, hairpins, matches, or keys, into your ears to clean them.
- Step 2: After bathing, wipe only the surface of the ear and behind the earlobe with a clean, damp towel.
- Step Three: If you experience a feeling of heaviness in the ear or hearing loss, as directed by your doctor, apply 2-3 drops of olive oil twice a day for 3 days to soften the earwax.
- Step Four: Limit the use of loud headphones. Make sure you don't use headphones for more than an hour a day and keep the volume to 60% (60/60 Rule).
- Step Five: Use earplugs to prevent water from getting into your ears while swimming or bathing.
๐ Comparison of earwax removal methods (Earwax Management)
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Ear drops | Very simple, can be done at home, and does not damage the eardrum. | It takes several days for the clay to dissolve. It cannot be used if you have a perforated eardrum. |
| Irrigation by a doctor | A quick solution. Completely clean. | There is a slight risk of eardrum damage. Not suitable for those with ear infections or perforations. |
| Micro-suction | Very safe. It is done under camera surveillance. | It is an expensive method available only in specialist clinics. |
โ Some other questions you may have (FAQ)
Is it okay to use coconut oil at home to soften calluses? โผ
No. Putting unrefined coconut oil in the ear can cause bacterial and fungal infections (otomycosis). It is safer to use a few drops of pure olive oil or almond oil, which can be obtained from pharmacies.
Can using earplugs make your ears itchy or irritated? โผ
Yes. Earwax can dry out the natural moisture in the ear canal, making itchy skin and flaking (a condition of earwax) worse. The itching will gradually subside once you stop using earwax.
Can someone with a perforated eardrum have their ear irrigated?โผ
Absolutely not. If water or other liquids are placed in the ear of a patient with a perforated eardrum, the middle ear may become infected and cause serious deafness and loss of balance. The only treatment that should be done for them is micro-suction.
Why do people who use headphones often develop earaches? โผ
When headphones or earbuds are worn in the ear frequently, the natural path for earwax to drain out is blocked. Additionally, the reduced ventilation inside the ear causes sweat and moisture to accumulate, making earwax thicken and harden more quickly.
๐ Sources and Scientific References
- NHS (UK) Guidance on Earwax Build-up: NHS Earwax build-up information (Accessed 2026)
- NCBI Clinical Guidelines: Diagnosis and Management of Cerumen Impaction (PMC6842749)
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