Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- For those who are prone to cleaning the insides of your ears, the word from medical experts is to stop immediately. There’s no need to clean what cleans itself.
Putting a cotton swab, or anything else into your ears, isn’t only unhealthy, but dangerous. Most people start probing, hoping to remove wax that’s built up in the ear canal. Ear wax, however, is typically soft and should fall out on its own. So sticking anything into our ears can push that wax in further and compact it, which could result in a trip to the doctor’s office.
Wax blockage is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. There’s also a chance that all that poking around could damage or rupture the ear drum.
Ear wax exists for a reason. It shields the ear by trapping dust, bacteria and other foreign particles from entering. It also protects the delicate skin of the ear canal from becoming irritated when water is in the canal, especially important as families head to pools, lakes and beaches.
So, take the phrase “clean behind your ears” literally. Wash the outsides of your ears carefully with a soft washcloth, moistened with soap and water and then simply pat them dry.
