The Hidden Risks of Cleaning Your Ears with Cotton Swabs

Many people find themselves reaching for a cotton swab after taking a shower. It seems harmless or even helpful, especially if a person wants to feel clean. It seems like the soft tip should clean out the ear and get rid of earwax, but there’s actually more going on than one might think. 

Using cotton swabs regularly can cause long-term issues with hearing and ear health. In fact, many causes of ear discomfort, wax buildup, or infections are because someone put something in the ear canal that shouldn’t be there. 

Why Earwax Is Not the Enemy

Earwax, also known as cerumen, usually has a bad reputation. It’s easy to think that the wax is dirt in the ear, but it’s actually helpful. It keeps the ear canal moisturized, protects against bacteria, and stops dust or other particles from going deep inside. The body is made to handle earwax on its own. As people move, the wax goes to the outer ear and then flakes off or washes away during regular bathing.

So, the ears are self-cleaning. If one disrupts the natural process, they begin to have problems with their hearing. Cotton swabs are marketed as cleaning tools for the ears, but they push the wax deep into the canal. This can cause the ear to get blocked with a buildup of wax.

Cotton Swabs and Ear Canal Injuries

The inside of the ear is more delicate than it seems. The skin lining the ear canal is thin and sensitive, and the eardrum is about an inch away from the opening. If the cotton swab is too deep inside, it can lead to tiny cuts, bruising, or damage to the eardrum.

A ruptured eardrum is pretty painful and causes temporary hearing loss, fluid drainage, or even worse, an infection. Even if the damage doesn’t go that far, cleaning the ear too much causes irritation or inflammation. This form of trauma can wear out the ear.

Trapped Wax and Hearing Issues

Ironically, removing earwax with cotton swabs causes it to become impacted. The wax will be pushed deep inside, then it hardens and blocks the ear canal. This makes it hard for a person to hear, especially when it’s blocked close to the eardrum. Impacted wax leads to a feeling of fullness, ringing, or dizziness. The symptoms won’t go away on their own and have to be addressed by a hearing health professional.

The professional will have to soften the wax or use a special instrument to remove it. So, it’s important to avoid removing it at home. In the worst cases, some use hairpins or pen caps in the ear, but this damages the skin and causes infections. 

Increased Risk of Ear Infections

The ear canal has a natural balance of bacteria and moisture. With frequent swabbing and scratches, the balance gets thrown off, making the ear vulnerable to infections. Swimmers usually deal with outer ear infections like swimmer’s ear, and if they constantly use cotton swabs, it becomes worse. Also, moisture can get trapped behind a wax blockage or under the skin, causing bacteria or fungi in the canal.

Over time, it causes pain, swelling, itching, and drainage. Once an infection begins, a hearing health professional might recommend antibiotic drops or oral medication. Avoiding unnecessary contact with the inner ear, like cleaning it with cotton swabs, can help keep the balance of bacteria and moisture instead. So, let the body do its job instead of trying to fix what isn’t broken.

Making Ear Health a Priority

Most people don’t prioritize their ear health until something goes wrong. Take minor steps to avoid injury to the inner ear and let the ears clean themselves. These will go a long way. There’s no need to fix the ear when it’s already working right on its own. 

When it comes to cotton swabs, steering clear of them may actually help maintain clearer hearing and fewer ear-related issues over time. For those who experience regular buildup, talking to a hearing health professional can lead to better long-term solutions without risking injury or infection.