There's a good chance that you, like many of our Seniors Discount Club members, grew up cleaning your ears with cotton buds believing that it was the best way to keep that wax under control. I mean, that's what they're there for, right?

Well, hold onto your hats, members, because we've got some startling news for you! According to Melbourne-based GP Dr. Preeya Alexander, using cotton buds to clean your ears is actually doing you more harm than good, and doctors have been warning us against this practice for decades.

Dr. Preeya Alexander, a respected GP, strongly advises against inserting cotton buds into your ears. Source: Dr. Preeya Alexander

In a recent video, Dr. Alexander explained precisely why we should all avoid using cotton buds within our ear canal. 'Everyone's putting these in their ear and giving it a good go around to clean it. But here's why we say don't do it.'

For starters, the doctor explained that earwax is actually quite good for our ears! I know, right? We always thought it was a nuisance to be rid of as quickly as possible, too. As it turns out, earwax acts as a natural protector, trapping bugs and keeping our ear canal skin protected. 'You want some wax in there,' Dr Alexander said. 'It doesn't have to be removed, and the ears don't need to be cleaned.'

According to Dr. Preeya Alexander, having a bit of wax in your ear can actually be beneficial. Source: Dr. Preeya Alexander

The risks associated with cleaning our ears with cotton buds are not ones we should be taking lightly, either. Dr. Alexander laid out the dangerous consequences that can arise from our seemingly harmless ear-cleaning habits:

1. Ruptured eardrums: When you poke around your ear with a cotton bud, you risk rupturing your tympanic membrane or eardrum. 'I've seen it before,' the doctor said.
2. Ear infections: By using cotton buds inside our ears, we can damage the skin within the ear canal, giving rise to infections that could have been avoided.
3. Wax plugs: A cotton bud can push the wax further into our ears instead of removing it. Dr. Alexander explained that this could lead to wax plugs, which might require medical intervention.

So, the next time you're tempted to reach for those cotton buds, think again! It's best to limit your ear cleaning to the outer part of the ear without poking anything into the ear canal.

Role of Earwax in Maintaining Ear Health​

When it comes to caring for your ears, most of us have been taught to clean out the wax with cotton buds, but this habit is actually counterintuitive to proper ear care. Earwax, known as cerumen, is a combination of oil, sweat, and dead skin cells made in the outer portion of the ear canal and serves to protect the ears from water, microbes, and foreign objects. It also keeps the skin in the ear canal healthy and hydrated. This means that by attempting to clean our ears with cotton buds, we are, in fact, disturbing the natural protective layer that earwax provides.

Proper ear health and hygiene are best maintained by simply washing the skin and outer ear canal with water using a washcloth. If you feel like you have excess wax, it’s best to see a doctor or visit an audiologist, as they can use specialised tools and techniques to safely remove any blockages or impacted wax.

Without proper ear care, a buildup of earwax can cause itching, odour, hearing loss, tinnitus, ear pain, swelling, and inflammation. It can also block sound from entering your ears. That’s why it’s important to properly maintain your ears and understand the role of earwax in ear health. By taking steps to protect your ear health, you are helping to ensure that you’ll be able to hear for many years to come.

Key Takeaways

• A Melbourne doctor, GP Preeya Alexander, warns against using cotton buds to clean ears due to potential damage.
• Using cotton buds can lead to ruptured ear drums, ear infections, and wax plugs.
• Dr. Alexander explains that wax is beneficial for the ear canal as it protects the skin and traps bugs.
• The doctor advises that if you believe you have a wax plug, consult a medical professional for safe removal.

The eye-opening video has been met with immense gratitude by viewers, with many reminiscing about their family doctors' advice from yesteryear. One viewer commented, 'Our family doctor back in the '60s always told us you shouldn't stick anything smaller than your elbow in your ear.'

So, dear SDC members, it's time to take our doctors' advice to heart and stay well away from cotton buds for ear cleaning. Our health and wellbeing are far too important to be putting at risk, don't you think?

 

[chinkapook]

I am only 68 but I have been told many times never to use cotton buds because they can damage your ears

 

[Trudi]

I am 76 and I choose to ignore this advice! When my ears start itching because of wax, I will get a cotto bud to remove the annoying build up. The alternative would be digging around in my ears with my little finger, I reckon cotton buds are the more acceptable option.

 

[SGH]

I use the audiclean solution to clean out my ears.