If you’re among those whose ear wax factories are working overtime, cotton buds seem like the best option. But sometimes, trying to clean them can cause more problems than it’s worth.
Earwax are quite common and aren’t usually a sign of a serious condition. But sometimes the things you do, or forget to do, can cause them to itch — or make the problem worse.
“It’s part of the human condition, but it’s not generally something to be concerned about,” says Ear surgeon Erika Woodson, MD.
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“Many of us use cotton buds in our inner ear when we feel earwax build up,” says Dr Emeka, Brand Ambassador of Freeletics.
Symptoms of hard impacted earwax may be earache or a feeling that your ears are blocked ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus) or even vertigo (dizziness), so understandably some people like to clean their ears every day and may use a cotton bud.
the doctor added.
According to the doctor, cotton buds can push wax deeper and potentially cause injury to the eardrum or break off and even cause infection.
If you have problems with hard earwax that doesn’t move by softening with oil and irrigating with water, then you should see a health professional.
You can typically treat earwax buildup at home.
Use ear drops to break up the wax, but don’t try to clean out the ear canal with anything else, Dr. Woodson advises.
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