Here's Why You Should Stop Using 'Q-Tips' to Clean Your Ears

Although we're talking about the improper use of cotton swabs (popularly referred to as Q-Tips), this is also about how earwax is good for you.

If you're still shoveling earwax from your ears with a Q-Tip, below are some reasons you should consider stopping.

Earwax: What is it Good For?

The slimy, sticky yellow stuff you're cleaning out of your ears is, ironically, created and excreted by your body to keep your ears clean.

Similar to other primarily internal parts of the body, the skin of your ear canal is sensitive to a lot of things including dust, dirt, water, bacteria and other foreign substances, according to the National Library of Medicine. In normal amounts, earwax (also called cerumen) is helpful because, as it coats the ear canal, it keeps these substances from irritating the skin inside your ear and prevents infections.

During your annual physical exam, your primary care provider typically checks your ear canal using an otoscope. Discuss with your doctor if you feel you have excess earwax, which can happen for some individuals and cause hearing loss. Your doctor will be able to offer treatment advice and refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, if necessary.

Why Q-Tips Don't Belong in Your Ears

There are a bunch of amazing applications for your household cotton swabs but cleaning out your ear canal is not one of them.

Here are some reasons why you should not use cotton swabs to clean your ears:

• You're likely pushing wax deeper. While the outer part of your ear canal that produces earwax is adjusted to naturally allow earwax to slowly move out of the ear, the inner part of your ear canal is not. Pushing cerumen back towards your eardrum (also called tympanic membrane) places it in an area where it can cause infection and be difficult or even painful to remove.
• You might puncture or hurt your eardrum. Puncturing or even pressing on the tympanic membrane can cause significant hearing loss and impact your balance.
• Removing wax leaves your ear vulnerable. If you enjoy using a cotton swab to clean your ears, it's likely that your ear canal is dry. Not only does earwax help protect your ear canal from dust and bacteria, it also keeps the skin in your ear moisturized. When the skin in your ear is dry, it can become irritated or itchy and make you want to continue putting a dry swab in your ear canal for relief.

Now before you go throw away your Q-Tips, there are plenty of practical applications for your cotton swabs, including arts and crafts, applying cosmetics and cleaning tight spaces.

Proper Ear Hygiene

Now that you're no longer putting cotton swabs in your ears, you might be wondering what happens to your earwax. As mentioned briefly above, cerumen moves out of your ear like a conveyor belt as it dries and hardens, especially as we chew and talk. This natural process not only protects your inner ear from any outside substances, but it also cleans your ear canal.

If you want to clean the outside part of your ear (also called the pinna), gently use warm water and soap while doing your best to not get water in your ear canal.

Trouble Hearing?

Schedule an appointment with an Ear, Nose & Throat expert via MyChart.

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