You’ve probably never noticed, but on the back of any package of cotton swabs there’s a written warning that is some variation of this:
“Caution: Do not enter the ear canal. Penetrating the ear canal could lead to injury.”
If you have a package of cotton swabs, go check it out for yourself.
The thing is, it’s not just physicians, audiologists, and hearing professionals who advise against the use of cotton swabs to clean the ears—even the producers of cotton swabs feel it’s a bad idea!
So why, if the use of cotton swabs is such a preferred technique of ear cleaning, should it be avoided? Why are the producers so adamant that you don’t use their own product in this way?
We’re happy you asked: the following are four good reasons to never use cotton swabs to clean your ears again.
1. Earwax is invaluable
Earwax has quite a few useful functions aside from being gross. It has antibacterial attributes to prevent infections, it works as an insect repellent to keep bugs out of your ears, and it helps to lubricate the ear canal, which helps prevent dry, itchy skin.
2. Cotton Swabs push earwax up against the eardrum
Using cotton swabs can actually be dangerous. When you force any foreign object into the ear canal, you’re forcing most of the earwax up against the eardrum. This can rupture the eardrum or can result in an impaction that will result in hearing loss.
3. Earwax removes itself
The ear is constructed to remove its own earwax. The natural movements of your jaw—from talking, eating, or yawning—will move the earwax to the external ear. All that’s called for from you is normal showering and cleaning the outer ear with a cloth.
4. Too much earwax removal causes dryness
Earwax has lubricating and antibacterial qualities, so if you remove too much, you’ll experience a dried out, itchy sensation and will be more vulnerable to infections.
What you can do instead
There are several commercialized (and do-it-yourself) solutions you can use to flush out your ears, which is far less dangerous than inserting foreign objects into the ear canal. However, if you’re having issues with surplus earwax or you’re having difficulties hearing, it’s always best to consult with a hearing professional.
Hearing professionals are thoroughly trained in the anatomy and physiology of the ear, and can diagnose any health issues you may have with earwax accumulation or hearing loss. It’s always a wise course of action to rule out more severe problems, and if cleaning is all that’s needed, you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing that it’s being done properly.