Ear wax, also known as cerumen, serves a crucial purpose in the ear canal. It protects the delicate skin of the ear canal from water, infection, and foreign particles. However, misconceptions about ear hygiene often lead people to use Q-Tips or cotton swabs to remove ear wax. Contrary to popular belief, using Q-Tips for ear wax removal can be harmful and is not recommended by medical professionals. Here are four reasons why:

Reasons NOT to use Q-Tips:

Ear wax removal with Clayton Park Audiology

1. Q-Tips are not required to remove ear wax. Ear wax naturally migrates out of the ear canal on its own through jaw movements, such as chewing or talking. The skin in the ear canal also grows outward in a conveyor belt motion, pushing out old ear wax along with any trapped dust or debris. For most people, this self-cleaning mechanism is sufficient. Using Q-Tips can disrupt the natural process without achieving any significant cleaning benefits.

2. Q-Tips can push ear wax deeper into the ear canal. This can result in impacted ear wax, where the wax becomes tightly packed and difficult to remove even with medical intervention. Impacted ear wax can cause symptoms such as earache, a sensation of fullness in the ear, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), dizziness, and even temporary hearing loss.  

3. Q-Tips can damage the delicate skin of the ear canal. The ear canal is lined with sensitive skin that can easily be scratched or irritated by the use of Q-Tips. Even gentle insertion can cause microscopic tears or abrasions, which can lead to discomfort, pain, and potentially increase the risk of infections. 

4. Q-Tips can pose a risk of ear canal injury or perforation of the eardrum. Inserting a Q-Tip too deeply or with excessive force can potentially puncture the eardrum, leading to severe pain, bleeding, and possible hearing loss. The eardrum is a delicate membrane that separates the middle ear from the outer ear, and any injury to it can have serious consequences requiring medical attention.

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If you are experiencing symptoms of ear wax blockage it is advisable to seek professional medical advice from a registered audiologist. At Clayton Park Audiologist, our Registered Audiologists are trained to safely remove excess ear wax using specialized techniques and instruments. Please review our Steps for Successful Wax Removal by clicking here. 

To schedule an Ear Wax Removal Appointment with one of our highly trained Registered Audiologists, please click here.