Doctors warn that cleaning ears with cotton buds can cause long-term damage and urge the public to seek professional care for wax removal
Despite their popularity in bathroom cabinets, cotton buds remain a leading cause of ear injuries in the UK. Medical professionals stress that inserting them into the ear canal is not only unnecessary but dangerous, often pushing wax deeper, leading to blockages, pain and even eardrum perforation.
“It’s one of the most common problems we see,” said Irene Wong, a Clinical Audiologist at Hearology®, which specialises in professional earwax removal using micro-suction. “People assume they’re maintaining ear hygiene, but instead they’re compacting the wax, risking infection and more long-term hearing issues.”
Cotton buds cause more harm than good
Earwax – also known as cerumen – is a protective substance that helps trap dust and bacteria, while keeping the ear canal lubricated. In most people, the wax works its way out naturally, helped by jaw movements such as chewing or talking. But inserting objects into the ear disrupts this self-cleaning process.
According to a review by ENT UK and NHS data, thousands of people each year require treatment for injuries caused by cotton buds, including scratches to the ear canal and perforated eardrums. One study in the journal The Laryngoscope reported that children and older adults are especially vulnerable to these injuries due to more delicate ear structures.
Safe alternatives
The NHS advises against putting anything smaller than your elbow into your ear. Simply wiping the outer ear with a damp cloth during regular washing is enough for most people.
When wax builds up and causes symptoms such as blocked ears, hearing loss or discomfort, professional treatments are advised. Over-the-counter wax-softening drops may help, but if symptoms persist, the safest option is to see a trained specialist.
Microsuction, the gold standard for earwax removal, involves using a small vacuum to gently extract wax under direct visual guidance. Unlike older methods such as syringing, it does not involve water pressure and carries a much lower risk of damage.
“Clinical microsuction is efficient and safe,” said Irene Wong from Hearology®. “It avoids the risks associated with syringing or unaccredited over-the-counter methods, and gives people immediate relief.”
Risky alternatives to avoid
Despite warnings, social media continues to promote harmful ear-cleaning gadgets such as ear candles and unregulated suction tools. Health authorities, including the NHS, the British Society of Audiology and the US Food and Drug Administration, advise against these, citing burns, blockages and eardrum damage.
Signs of a more serious ear problem – such as sudden deafness, ongoing pain, discharge or fever – should prompt immediate medical advice. Attempting to self-treat with cotton buds, hairpins or candles can delay proper diagnosis and make matters worse.
Good ear hygiene
Healthy ears require minimal interference. Key tips include:
- Don’t insert cotton buds or any object into your ears
- Dry your ears gently after bathing
- Use softening drops if advised, but only under guidance and not for extended periods of time
- Book a professional appointment if symptoms persist
- Have regular hearing checks, particularly for children and older adults
References
- NHS: Earwax build-up – Symptoms, risks and how to get excessive ear wax treated safely
- British Society of Audiology – Clinical guidance on professional aural care
- NICE guidelines: Hearing loss in adults – NHS advice on earwax, hearing loss and referrals
- RNID: Looking after your ears – General ear health guidelines from the Royal National Institute for Deaf People
