Home / Health / Experts Warn: Avoid Cotton Swabs for Ear Cleaning to Prevent Damage
Experts Warn: Avoid Cotton Swabs for Ear Cleaning to Prevent Damage
10 Nov
Summary
- Over 70% of ear injuries in ER caused by cotton swabs
- Inserting cotton swabs pushes earwax deeper, can block canal
- Ears are self-cleaning, no need to manually remove wax
As of 2025-11-10T12:41:05+00:00, healthcare experts are urging people to stop using cotton swabs, fingers, or other objects to clean their ears. While the urge to clean one's ears may be strong, this practice can actually do more harm than good.
According to Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist, inserting cotton swabs, also known as Q-tips, into the ear canal does not effectively clean the ears. Instead, it can push the earwax deeper, potentially leading to blockages, pain, infections, or even eardrum perforation. In fact, a recent study found that over 70% of the ear injuries seen in emergency rooms were caused by the use of cotton tip applicators.
The experts explain that earwax is present for a reason - it traps dust and bacteria, protecting the delicate skin in the ear canal. The ears are designed to be self-cleaning, and the wax naturally works its way out on its own. Attempting to manually remove the wax can do more harm than good.
If individuals suspect excessive earwax buildup or experience symptoms like hearing loss or pain, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. They can safely remove the wax using specialized tools, without the risks associated with using cotton swabs or other objects.
