For those with sensitive ears, earwax can be a constant annoyance, leading to itchiness and a greasy feeling. While many reach for Q-tips to clean their ears, there are several reasons why this may not be the safest option.
Reasons Not to Use Q-Tips
- Earwax serves as a natural antibiotic and waterproofs the ears, making it unnecessary to remove for most people.
- Q-tips can damage the delicate eardrum and ear bones, affecting hearing and balance.
- Using Q-tips can also harm the tiny hairs in the ear canal that aid in hearing.
- Pushing earwax further into the ear canal with Q-tips can lead to compaction and difficulty in removal.
Earwax Overproduction
Some individuals naturally produce more earwax than others, leading to a buildup. In such cases, there are safe methods to remove earwax without the use of Q-tips.
In older individuals, dry earwax may accumulate due to the shrinking of ceruminous glands with age, requiring alternative cleaning methods.
Removal Methods
Safely remove earwax using irrigation or oil.
Irrigation
- Use warm water in a syringe and gently flush the ear canal.
- Allow water to flow out and dry the ear with a blow dryer on a cool setting.
Oil
Lubricate and loosen earwax with oils like olive oil or eardrops.
- Apply a few drops in the ear and tilt the head to let it settle.
- Allow oil to flow out and air dry the ear.
It’s important to remember that earwax is essential for ear health, and Q-tips are not the best way to remove it. Seeking professional help for stubborn earwax buildup is crucial to prevent damage to the eardrum.
Sources
- https://commonhealth.wbur.org/2012/11/q-tips-ears-danger
- https://www.businessinsider.com/q-tips-danger-ear-health-2016-1
