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Many of us follow this typical habit of cleaning ears with earbuds. But, despite this itch for a spotless ear canal, questions are still unanswered.
Are we really doing our ears a favor, or are we risking harm?
Many people are unaware that using these tools may not be the most effective approach to care for their hearing. In fact, the wrong way of ear cleaning can even cause infections, wax impaction, and even eardrum damage.
Read on to discover why it might be a dangerous idea and some expert-recommended best practices for ear cleaning and hygiene.
Why Cleaning Ears With Earbuds Can Be Harmful
Cleaning ears with earbuds can look like a quick way to take out earwax, but it can really be risky. Here’s why.
Pushing Wax Deeper:
What we’re actually doing is instead of removing earwax, we are using earbuds to push it even deeper into the ear canal. This can end up causing wax impaction, in which wax accumulates against the eardrum, causing headaches, hearing loss, or a sensation of pressure in the ear.
Risk of Injury:
Ear canals and eardrums are super sensitive structures. So, inserting earbuds too far can scrape the ear canal or even puncture the eardrum, causing you pain, hearing problems, and infections.
Disrupting the Natural Ear Function:
By absorbing dust, germs, and other particles, earwax, also known as cerumen, serves as protection.
Cleaning ears with earbuds all the time could upset the natural barrier, making the ear extra vulnerable to infections.
Using earbuds for ear cleaning feels good, but the above-mentioned hazards suggest why it is not the safest option.
So, if using earbuds to clean your ears isn’t the best option, what should you do to keep your ears healthy?
Safe Ear Cleaning Tips
If you’re someone who has this habit of cleaning ears with earbuds, try these tips to keep your ears clean without causing harm.
Let the Ear Clean Itself:
The ear is self-cleaning. As earwax comes naturally toward the outer ear, it dries and falls out by itself.
So, more cleaning is of no use. Use a damp cloth. To remove any visible wax, gently wipe your outer ear with a wet towel.
Use Ear Drops or Irrigation Kits:
Avoid putting the cloth into your ear canal, as this may push wax inward. Try ear drops or irrigation kits. Over-the-counter ear drops can help soften wax and make it easier to remove.
Irrigation kits can also be useful, but read the instructions carefully to avoid damage.
Get Professional Advice:
Speak with an ear specialist if you are experiencing discomfort, obstruction, or hearing problems. ENT and audiologists will have all the right tools and knowledge to safely remove earwax.
Alternatives for Cleaning Ears with Earbuds
Instead of cleaning ears with earbuds, try these safer techniques for your ear care:
Ear Drops:
These are specially formulated to soften wax, allowing it to come out naturally without the need for physical removal.
Ear Irrigation Kits:
These kits, which you can easily get at pharmacies, are meant to gently drain away extra wax. However, if you’re hesitant, go to a professional first.
Regular Visits with an ENT Specialist:
Regular checkups is the way to maintain your ear health and handle any wax buildup or other problems that may come up.
Also, It’s worth mentioning that using the correct ear care products, together with regular visits to an ENT, can eliminate the need for cleaning ears with earbuds entirely.
Signs You Should Get Professional Help
While earwax is normally harmless, there are occasions when you might actually need medical attention.
Watch for these signs:
Hearing Loss:
If you have sudden or slowly progressing hearing loss, it could be due to an earwax obstruction.
Ear Pain or Discomfort:
Pain in the ear could be from an impacted wax, infection, or damage.
Fullness or Ringing in the Ear:
This sensation is prevalent with wax accumulation and may need professional treatment.
Don’t worry, An ENT doctor can properly address these concerns without causing additional damage to your ear.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning ears with earbuds can seem to be a harmless task, but the risks that come along with it make it a bad choice.
The ear’s natural cleansing process is usually sufficient, but if you have extra earwax, there are safe options that will not jeopardize your ear health.
Instead of using earbuds, practice safe ear cleaning, monitor your ear health, and seek expert help if necessary. Your ears are delicate organs, and taking care of them now can help you avoid any issues in the future.
