A Simple Guide to Cotton Buds, Earwax and Everyday Ear Care
Cotton buds are commonly used as part of a personal hygiene routine. However, when it comes to your ears, there is generally no need to clean the inside of your ears.
Earwax is a normal part of the healthy ear. It helps protect the ear canal and naturally moves outwards by itself over time. For most people, the outer ear can simply be cleaned as part of their usual daily routine.
Why Are Cotton Buds Not Recommended Inside the Ear?
The main concern is that a cotton bud can push earwax further into the ear canal rather than bringing it out. Not only that, but wax can become compressed against the eardrum, causing sudden hearing blockage and pain.
Repeatedly putting a cotton bud into the ear canal may also irritate the thin, delicate skin in the area, which can increase the risk of discomfort and infections. Besides, there is no benefit whatsoever to using one.
For these reasons, The Ear Nurses at Crystal Clear Ears recommend avoiding cotton buds and all other objects inside the ear canal.
Your Ears Have a Natural Cleaning Process
Earwax doesn’t mean your ears are dirty. Earwax is good for your ears, in small amounts!
The ear naturally produces wax, which helps trap dust and other particles. The wax gradually moves any debris and dry skin towards the opening of the ear canal, where it can usually be wiped away from the outer ear.
The amount of earwax people produce varies. Some people naturally produce more wax or are more likely to experience buildup than others.
How Should You Clean Your Ears?
This is a very common question! For everyday ear care, you can:
- Clean the outer ear with a soft, damp cloth, after a shower for example. But do not deliberately put water into your ears during showering and bathing.
- Don’t touch your ears and allow the ear canal to manage its natural cleaning process.
- Avoid putting cotton buds, fingers or other objects into the ear canal.
- Speak with a healthcare professional if you regularly experience earwax buildup or blocked ears, or feel that you have “waxy ears”.
Every trace of earwax has to be removed. Having some earwax is normal.
What If You Have Excess Earwax?
Sometimes earwax can build up and become uncomfortable. You may notice a feeling of fullness or blockage, or changes in hearing.
If you think you have excess earwax, an assessment can help determine whether wax is contributing to your symptoms. Earwax can usually be identified by looking into the ear canal.
Depending on your individual circumstances, earwax may be managed with wax-softening products and professional removal.
At The Ear Nurses at Crystal Clear Ears, we provide professional earwax assessment, removal and ear cleaning across our six Melbourne clinic locations. Where appropriate, microsuction can be used to remove earwax.
When Should You Have Your Ears Assessed?
You can have your ears assessed for a range of reasons. Your ears may feel blocked, itchy, or irritated. They may feel like there is something in them, you may be hearing ringing or other noises or maybe you have never had your ears checked and would simply like a professional opinion. If so, speak with The Ear Nurses at Crystal Clear Ears.
It’s also worth remembering that a blocked ear isn’t always caused by earwax. Different ear conditions can cause similar symptoms, so an assessment can help identify whether wax is contributing to the problem.
If you have significant ear pain, discharge or other symptoms that concern you, seek appropriate medical advice.
Looking After Your Ears
Cotton buds may be part of many people’s bathroom routines, but they aren’t recommended for cleaning inside the ear canal.
For most people, less is more when it comes to ear cleaning. Clean the outer ear, leave the ear canal alone and seek advice if you have ongoing earwax buildup or ear symptoms.
If you think excess earwax may be contributing to a blocked or full feeling, The Ear Nurses at Crystal Clear Ears can assess your ears and discuss whether professional earwax removal is appropriate.
Earwax Assessment, Removal and Ear Cleaning in Melbourne
The Ear Nurses at Crystal Clear Ears provide earwax assessment, removal and ear cleaning across six clinic locations in Melbourne.
Learn more about earwax removal.
Sources:
Healthdirect – Ear wax
Better Health Channel – Ear wax
This blog provides general health information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.