Why can't you clean your ears with cotton swabs?

Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, believing that this is a necessary hygienic procedure. However, otolaryngologists warn that this not only does not help, but it can also be dangerous. In this article, we'll look at why you can't clean your ears with cotton swabs and which alternative methods are safe.

Why are cotton swabs harmful to the ears?

At first glance, it seems that a cotton swab helps to remove sulfur from the ear, but in fact it is not. Instead of removing sulfur, the wand pushes it deeper into the ear canal, which can lead to sulfur plugs.

The main risks of using cotton swabs:

- Damage to the eardrum. Improper use may result in serious injury.

- Formation of sulfur plugs. Sulfur accumulates inside the ear, causing congestion and hearing loss.

- The development of infections. Damaged skin inside the ear becomes vulnerable to bacteria. How to properly care for your ears?

- Earwax performs a protective function, so in most cases it is not necessary to clean the ears – the body removes the excess by itself.

- If you feel discomfort or hearing loss, it is better to consult an ENT doctor who will perform a professional cleaning.

- Use special ear drops that soften the sulfur if you have a tendency to form plugs.

Conclusion

Using cotton swabs to clean your ears is a bad habit that can lead to unpleasant consequences. It is better to entrust the health of the ears to a specialist and use safe care methods.