It’s a familiar sight: you go for a cotton bud and think, this will fix my earwax issue. But have you ever stopped to read the small print on the packaging that says, “Do not insert into the ear”? There’s a very good reason for that, and today we’re delving into why cotton buds don’t belong in ears.
Why Do We Have Earwax?
Before we get into the dangers of cotton buds, let’s cover the basics. Earwax is your ear’s natural defence system. Earwax lubricates and protects our ears, and can even protect against dirt, foreign objects and insects. It’s like your body’s self-cleaning mechanism, moving old wax and gunk to the outside. That’s why the golden rule stands: nothing smaller than your elbow should ever go in your ear!.
When we stick our fingers or objects in our ears, we interfere with that natural process. Putting anything in your ear often causes wax to be pushed deeper into the ear canal, resulting in impaction. This is likely to cause:
Hearing loss
Pain
Dizziness
Tinnitus
Increased risk of infection
The Dangers of Cotton Buds
It may feel like you’re scraping out the wax, but cotton buds can actually push wax further down and rupture the eardrum. Here’s why:
Wax Impaction: Cotton buds push wax deeper into the ear canal, packing it against the eardrum.
Injury cause by digging around: A cotton bud can increase risk of damaging the delicate eardrum, which may lead to perforation, damage to ear canal and complications.
Excess Wax Production: Your ear's response to the intrusion of foreign objects is to create still more wax, continuing the very issue you were trying to address.
What Should You Do Instead?
You may want to try a few home remedies to manage earwax before seeking professional help, such as ear drops and oils. It is not advisable to insert devices which claim to remove ear wax, into the ear canal.
Let Nature Do Its Job
Earwax usually works itself out on its own. Intervention is only required when the ear wax is causing issues such as hearing loss, pain, tinnitus or vertigo. Washing around the ear with a cloth can help maintain cleanliness without direct intervention.
Use Ear Drops
You can soften the wax with over-the-counter ear drops to help your body to naturally get rid of it.
Remember: Nothing smaller than your elbow belongs in your ear!
If these methods don’t work, or if you start feeling any discomfort, hearing loss or signs of infection, it’s time to seek professional help.
At EARS Clinics, we are here to help. We are passionate about your ear health and strive to provide the highest standards of ear care. Every procedure we perform is safe, efficient and effective. Our NHS-trained accredited team are trained and regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland in line with NICE guidelines. Known for our specialist techniques and knowledge of the ear anatomy. We remove all earwax on site in our Glasgow and Edinburgh based clinics without the risks of at-home remedies.
Caution is the first step to protecting your ears. When in doubt, consult a specialist before proceeding. We’re here when you need us, to support your ear health.
Protect Your Ears
Your ears are a remarkably complex organ, and they require care that matches that complexity. Put down the cotton bud and leave it to the professionals. Schedule an appointment today in one of our Glasgow or Edinburgh clinics and see the difference of expert care.
We are committed to your ear health at EARS Clinics. We’ll show you how to hear the world around you, safely and effectively.
Why Choose Us for Earwax Removal?
At EARS Clinics, we specialise in professional earwax removal services tailored to the needs of each patient. Our specialist team uses accredited techniques and a combination of procedure types, these include Microsuction, Irrigation and Instrumentations. This ensures your treatment is safe, effective, and comfortable.
We’re proud to serve patients across Scotland & Glasgow, offering accessible, high-quality care for just £60, with a complimentary follow up appointment if we have been unsuccessful to complete the procedure, or if your clinician has any concerns and would like to see you again. Whether you’re dealing with persistent symptoms or simply want to maintain optimal ear health, we’re here to help and often have same day appointments available.
Take Control of Your Ear Health
If you’re struggling with earwax build-up or related symptoms, we are here to help you. Ear wax can mask other issues. We offer not only ear wax removal, but also an ear health check. Contact us today to book an appointment or learn more about our services.
For further reading, check out our other articles on news, ear health and tips for maintaining clean and healthy ears.
Comentarios