Earwax Cleaning: Busting 5 Myths

June 23, 2023/105 Comments/in Medical Treatment /by

Cotton swabs, paper clips, fingernails, ballpoint pens, toothpicks, tweezers, safety pins, and bobby pins are some of the tools you’ll need. These are some of the items individuals have shoved in their ears in an attempt to remove earwax.

Everyone has their own ideas on how to clean and care for their ears. Some individuals swear by particular procedures, while others are unsure what to do or how to do it securely. So let’s try to discover answers to all of our questions regarding ear cleaning by looking over the facts and debunking all of the misconceptions.

using a Q tip is a bad way to remove earwax — Photo by canva

Earwax Myth #1:

Ear wax is similar to ‘dirt’ or ‘gunk,’ which should not be present in the ear.

FACT:

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is composed of dead skin cells and secretions from the ceruminous and sebaceous glands located in the external ear. The amount and kind of earwax produced vary according to ethnicity, age, environment, and even food. It’s there for a reason.

It is a natural moisturizer that keeps the skin within the ear from drying out.
Ear wax captures dirt, dust, tiny particles, and insects before they can enter the canal.
It also protects the inner ear from germs and other pathogenic organisms.

Myth #2:

Earwax is an indication of a filthy ear and reflects filth.

FACT:

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery states that “cerumen or earwax is healthy in normal amounts and serves as a self-cleaning agent with protective, lubricating, and antibacterial properties.” It is not a symptom of uncleanliness; rather, it is an indication of normal, healthy ears.

doctor checking for earwax — Photo by canva

Myth #3:

Ears should be cleansed on a regular basis to remove any wax accumulation.

FACT:

The ear can self-clean for 95% of the population. The skin follicles lining the ear canal act like a conveyor belt, transporting earwax to the front of the ear. It either falls out or is washed away over time. Wiping the outermost area of the ear gently with a large cotton ball or a tissue, being careful not to put anything into the ear canal, should suffice.

Myth #4:

Using Q-tips feels nice since it clears the ears, making hearing easier, and removes that bothersome water that hangs out the ear after a shower.

FACT:

While using Q-tips may appear to make ears cleaner and healthier, it really makes them worse.

Q-tips cause impaction by pushing earwax further into the ear canal.
By piercing the eardrum or scraping the skin, it may cause harm and unpleasant ear infections.
The formation of a vicious itch and scratch cycle is the cause of a Q-tip addiction.
Because earwax offers lubrication, removing it might merely make ears drier, encouraging you to keep pushing swabs in there in a futile attempt at comfort.

Myth #5:

Wax buildup should be removed with Q-tips, hair pins, safety pins, keys, and so on. Other successful methods include irrigation with chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide and ear candling.

FACT:

None of the procedures suggested above are medically recommended and inflict more harm than good to the ear. Hearing loss, a sense of fullness or obstruction, tinnitus, itching, discomfort, discharge, or odor are all indications of impacted wax and should be treated by a medical practitioner. They will be able to thoroughly examine the ears and identify whether there is wax accumulation or another issue. They will also be able to clean the ears properly and advise on future prevention.

doctor cleaning earwax from ears — Photo by canva

To conclude,

We must recognize that the ear is a fragile organ. Sharp items or cotton swabs can cause injury to the sensitive components of the ear. Enough water enters the ears to cause ear wax to be lost and fall out while we sleep.

If a person inserts cotton swabs into his ear canal, he runs the risk of damaging his eardrums. The resulting harm might be minor or permanent. If you have a lot of wax in your ear, see your doctor.

Consulting a medical specialist like one at Travocure would assist us in avoiding unnecessary injury to the body’s sensitive organs.