Do you often find yourself reaching for a cotton bud to clean out your ears after a workout? While it may feel satisfying to scrape out that waxy build-up, using cotton buds can actually be harmful to your ear canals.
In a study published in the British Journal of General Practice, it was found that using cotton buds can lead to complications such as trauma, impacted ear wax, infection, and even retention of the cotton buds. Despite these warnings, a large percentage of adults still use cotton buds to clean their ears regularly.
So what should you do instead? The UK's National Health Service recommends using ear drops made of olive oil or sodium bicarbonate to soften the wax, followed by flushing the ear with warm water using a bulb syringe. This method is safer and more efficient than digging around with a cotton bud, which can actually push the wax deeper into your ear canal.
It's important to remember that earwax is a natural secretion that forms a protective layer within the ear canal. In most cases, it is not harmful and should not be removed unless it is causing a blockage or affecting your hearing. By using safer methods for ear cleaning, you can ensure that your ears stay healthy and free from infections.
So next time you feel the urge to grab a cotton bud, think twice and consider using a bulb syringe and ear drops instead. Your ears will thank you for it in the long run!