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Doctors Warn: Stop Using Q-Tips to Clean Ears, It's Doing More Harm Than Good
11 Nov
Summary
- Ears are self-cleaning, using Q-tips pushes wax deeper
- Over 70% of ear injuries in ER caused by cotton swabs
- Short-term relief can come at the cost of your hearing
According to medical experts, the common practice of using Q-tips or cotton swabs to clean ears is actually doing more harm than good. As of November 11th, 2025, doctors are strongly advising people to stop this habit, as the ears are self-cleaning and earwax serves a specific purpose.
Gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi, who has trained at prestigious institutions like AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford, recently issued a warning against using cotton swabs in the ear canal. He explains that despite the warning labels on the products, many people still insert them, which can cause significant harm. When you use a Q-tip, you're not actually cleaning your ear - you're pushing the wax deeper, where it can block the canal, cause pain, infections, or even rupture the eardrum.
Moreover, a 2017 study published in The Journal of Paediatrics found that over 70 percent of ear injuries seen in the emergency room were caused by cotton tip applicators. Dr. Sethi cautions, "I know it feels satisfying, but that short-term relief can come at the cost of your hearing." He urges people to share this information widely to spread awareness and protect their health.
