Everyone has likely experienced the itchy and uncomfortable feeling in their ears and used a cotton swab to dig inside them. Some believe pushing the swab deep into their ear is the only way to alleviate the discomfort. However, experts warn unanimously against using cotton swabs to clean ears.
According to recent reports from foreign media outlets, including the UK’s Daily Mail, tinnitus specialist Frank McGrath warns that using cotton swabs could trigger tinnitus. He explained that about 500,000 people in the UK suffer from tinnitus, which can cause difficulties in work and sleep.
McGrath stated that cleaning the ear with a cotton swab is dangerous because you cannot see where you are poking, and you will eventually push more earwax into your eardrum.
Cotton Swab Dangers: Tinnitus, Otitis Externa, and Eardrum Damage
Experts warn against using cotton swabs for ear cleaning because they contain earwax. Earwax, produced by the glands inside the ear, protects and lubricates the ear canal. It usually naturally escapes from the ears.
However, using a cotton swab can disrupt the natural removal of earwax. Instead, it can push the wax deeper into the ear, causing it to accumulate.
Repeated use of cotton swabs can cause more earwax to build up deep inside the ear. This can block sound transmission, making people feel like they have hearing problems.
Moreover, it can cause injury to the ear canal, leading to bacterial infections. The swab can irritate or even damage the eardrum if inserted too deeply.
Dr. Lee Min Goo, an ENT specialist, advised on YTN Radio’s News FM, Issue and People with Lee Ik Seon and Choi Soo Young, “Do not use cotton swabs. The ear canal is very delicate, so poking inside the ears may cause damage, leading to otitis externa. If it worsens, it could tear the eardrum and spread the infection, so please avoid touching your ears.”
