Safe Ear Cleaning: Why You Should Avoid Cotton Swabs

Q: Safe Ear Cleaning: Why You Should Avoid Cotton Swabs

Hello： In response to your question, ear secretions generally contain antibodies and white blood cells that protect the ear canal. <br>Unless there is inflammation, it is usually not necessary to clean them constantly. <br>If the blockage can be removed in an outpatient setting,

I want to clean my ears, but it hurts, so I can only use cotton swabs?

Hello, Doctor.
I saw a report recently about a child who had excessive earwax, which almost affected their hearing.
This made me a bit anxious.
I want to ask you, I’m afraid of pain when I try to clean my ears, so I rarely attempt to do it.
I worry that I might injure my ears, so I use cotton swabs instead.
Can I come to your hospital for ear cleaning? Previously, I had an issue with one ear due to excessive debris, which caused hearing loss, and I had it cleaned at your hospital once.
The doctor prescribed me some ear drops, but I didn’t use them, and now it seems like the problem has returned.
That doctor doesn’t seem to be at your hospital anymore.
Lastly, I want to ask if I can come to your hospital for ear cleaning for both ears? I’ve heard from friends that ear cleaning services are available in foreign countries, and I wonder if they are available in Taiwan as well.
I think they should be.

Daniel, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/12/29

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology

Hello: In response to your question, ear secretions generally contain antibodies and white blood cells that protect the ear canal.
Unless there is inflammation, it is usually not necessary to clean them constantly.
If the blockage can be removed in an outpatient setting, that is sufficient; otherwise, medication may be needed to dissolve it, and patients should be patient.

Reply Date: 2007/12/29

More Info

When it comes to ear cleaning, especially for infants and young children, it's essential to approach the task with caution and an understanding of the anatomy of the ear. Using cotton swabs to clean the ears is generally discouraged by medical professionals for several reasons.

Firstly, the ear canal is a delicate structure. The skin inside the ear canal is sensitive, and inserting cotton swabs can lead to irritation or injury. If the swab is pushed too far, it can potentially damage the eardrum, leading to pain, bleeding, or even hearing loss. In infants, who may not be able to communicate discomfort effectively, this risk is particularly concerning. If a child shows signs of discomfort, such as pulling at their ears or crying, it may indicate that something is wrong, and medical attention should be sought.

Moreover, the ear has a natural self-cleaning mechanism. Earwax, or cerumen, is produced by glands in the ear canal and serves several important functions. It helps to trap dust and debris, preventing them from reaching the eardrum, and it has antibacterial properties that protect the ear from infections. In most cases, earwax will migrate out of the ear canal naturally, especially during chewing or jaw movement. Therefore, routine cleaning with cotton swabs is often unnecessary and can disrupt this natural process.

For infants, the best practice is to clean the outer ear with a damp cloth during bath time. This method is safe and effective in removing any visible wax or debris without risking injury to the ear canal. If there is a significant buildup of earwax that seems to be affecting hearing or causing discomfort, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can safely remove the wax using specialized tools or techniques.

Regarding your concern about white noise, such as rain sounds, being played for your baby, it is generally considered safe as long as the volume is kept at a reasonable level. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that sounds should not exceed 50 decibels, which is about the level of a quiet conversation. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can potentially lead to hearing issues, so monitoring the volume is crucial. If your baby seems to be responding well to the sounds and is not showing signs of distress, it is likely not a cause for concern.

In summary, avoid using cotton swabs for ear cleaning, especially in infants. Instead, clean the outer ear gently with a damp cloth. If you suspect a problem with earwax buildup or if your child shows signs of discomfort, seek professional medical advice. Additionally, when using white noise for sleep, ensure that the volume is kept at a safe level to protect your baby's hearing. If you have further concerns or need assistance with ear cleaning, consider visiting an ENT specialist who can provide safe and effective care.

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