Why you shouldn’t use cotton buds to remove ear wax

For many people, finding out that you shouldn’t clean your ears with cotton buds comes as a bit of a surprise. If they’re not for cleaning your ears, then what are they for?

The truth is, you shouldn’t be putting anything in your ears, even if they are soft and round.

Your ear is a delicate instrument, with tiny, fragile hairs attuned to picking up the smallest vibrations in the air. Putting anything in there and wriggling it about isn’t going to help.

Why do we have earwax?

The medical term for earwax is cerumen and it exists for a reason.

Earwax is our body’s way of cleaning and protecting our ears. It’s a natural coating that’s waterproof, keeps out dust and dirt, and even provides antibacterial and lubricating perks.

Everyone makes earwax, but some people do make more than others. The amount and type of wax you make is based on your genetics just like hair color and height.

Ears tend to be self-cleaning. Once earwax dries, the natural motion of your jaw when chewing or talking shakes it loose, and it simply falls out your ear.

Earwax only causes a problem if it builds up, hardens or obstructs the ear canal.

Why you shouldn’t use cotton buds

Whatever you call them – cotton buds, cotton swabs, Q-Tips – you shouldn’t be sticking them in your ear.

Only the outer part of your ear canal makes wax, so when you use a cotton bud, you’re pushing the wax further down into your ear where it can get out.

If it gets impacted often enough, it can build up and block your eardrum, causing hearing damage and/or lead to infection.

Pushing that earwax back can also create a dam, trapping water which you might even be able to hear as it slooshes around!

There’s also the physical damage a cotton bud can do. If you push too far, you can rupture your eardrum, as well as all those little delicate hairs that are essential for hearing.

Worst-case scenario, the tip of the bud breaks off and gets stuck in your ear!

How to remove earwax without cotton buds

If you have an issue with earwax then see a professional, that’s the easiest way to fix it.

Using an otoscope, they will check your ears, and if earwax is the problem, then microsuction is the best way to remove it.

If you don’t or can’t see a professional, then there are a few things you can do at home.

There are DIY kits you can buy at a chemist for earwax removal. These usually contain drops you put in your ears for a few days to loosen up the wax. Then, hopefully, it will fall out itself naturally.

To try and soften the wax yourself, add a couple of drops of olive/baby oil, glycerin or hydrogen peroxide twice a day for 3-5 days.

After a couple of days, once the wax has softened, squirt some warm water into your ear and tilt your head back. Rotate your head around a few times and then let the water drain out. Finish by drying your ear with a towel or hairdryer.

You might need to repeat the process a few times for any results. If none of these home remedies work, we strongly suggest you see a medical professional.