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Doctor Warns: Don't Dig Ears, Risk Permanent Damage!
24 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Improper ear cleaning can cause permanent ear damage and hearing loss.
- Use olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops for safe DIY earwax softening.
- Avoid cotton swabs and metal tools, as they push wax deeper or harm canals.
Attempting to remove earwax yourself with common household items like cotton swabs or metal tools poses a significant risk of permanent ear damage, a doctor has warned. These methods can push impacted wax further into the ear canal or directly harm the delicate eardrum, which is described as thinner than paper.
Such injuries can result in pain, infection, and even irreversible hearing loss. The natural process of earwax cleaning involves it drying and falling out, but for excessive build-up, safe home remedies are available. Doctors suggest using olive oil or sodium bicarbonate ear drops twice daily for up to four weeks to soften the wax.
If softening and natural expulsion do not occur, professional medical care is advised. Procedures such as gentle irrigation or microsuction can effectively remove stubborn earwax without the risks associated with self-treatment. The NHS advises against any DIY extraction attempts to preserve ear health.
