Avoid using Q-Tips and Earbuds to Clean Earwax: Here's Why

Q-Tips / Cotton Earbuds (avoid for ear cleaning)

For decades, cotton buds (or Q-Tips) have been a go-to item in bathroom cabinets, often used for cleaning ears. But here’s the truth: despite their long-standing reputation, cotton buds are not safe for ear cleaning—and using them could put your hearing at serious risk.

Let’s break down why this popular habit is actually harmful, and what safer alternatives you should consider.

The Big Myth: Cotton Buds Clean Your Ears

It’s a common belief that cotton buds are made to clean earwax. In fact, that was their original design purpose back in the 1920s. But over the years, health experts have learned that inserting anything into your ear canal—especially a stiff, narrow cotton bud—can cause more damage than good.

Today, most medical professionals strongly advise against using them to clean ears. So why are they still used this way? Habit, mostly—and misinformation.

What’s the Harm in a Little Swab?

The shape and size of a cotton bud make it poorly suited to fit inside the ear canal. The ear canal is one of the most sensitive parts of the body, and cotton buds are simply too rigid to navigate it safely. Instead of removing wax, they often push it further in, compacting it against the eardrum.

This can lead to:

• Earwax impaction

• Pain or discomfort

• Hearing loss

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

• Infections or irritation from broken skin

  
  

In more serious cases, cotton buds can cause a perforated eardrum—a painful injury that may result in long-term hearing damage. The tip of the bud can even break off and get lodged inside your ear, requiring professional removal.

But Weren’t Cotton Buds Made for This?

Originally, yes. The cotton swab was invented in 1923 by Leo Gerstenzang to clean his child’s ears. But by the 1970s, the dangers became clear. Since then, most manufacturers advise using them only for external applications—like applying makeup or creams. Still, the outdated idea that they belong in our ears persists.

So How Should You Clean Your Ears?

Here’s the good news: most ears clean themselves. Earwax is a natural substance that protects and moisturises your ears and helps keep out dust and bacteria. Most of the time, it works its way out on its own.

However, if you do feel like your ears are blocked or producing too much wax, avoid inserting anything into the ear canal. That includes:

• Cotton buds

• Silicone tips

• Foam swabs

• Hopi ear candles
  

Instead, try the following:

• Use olive oil drops – Place 2–3 drops in your ear at night for a couple of days to help soften wax naturally.

• Over-the-counter sprays or drops – Oil-based solutions can help loosen hardened wax.

When It’s Time for Professional Help

If home treatments don’t work, or if you’re dealing with symptoms like hearing loss, earache, or persistent tinnitus, it’s time to see a hearing specialist.

At Precision Hearing, we offer microsuction—a safe, gentle and highly effective method of earwax removal. It’s quick, painless, and doesn’t carry the risks associated with syringing or cotton buds.

Using a high-powered microscope and a tiny suction device, our trained audiologists can view your ear canal in detail and precisely remove any wax buildup.

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To book an appointment, please contact our clinic:

📞 +44 (0)1223 620965 | ✉️ info@precision-hearing.co.uk

📍Walk-in appointments available: Suite 2, 8 Station Rd, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9LQ