Twirling a cotton earbud in the ear is a blissful feeling. For many, it is a daily obsession to keep their ears clean and they often resort to unsafe practises.
Dr Sunitha Madhavan, Senior Consultant – ENT Specialist at Kinder Hospital in Bengaluru debunked various myths related to cleaning the ears. She explained the correct process.
“It’s crucial to avoid inserting objects deep into the ear canal to prevent injury, particularly for individuals with structural abnormalities, narrow ear canals, or a history of ear surgery.”
Dr Madhavan said the habit of cleaning the ear daily, particularly through excessive washing, could disrupt the ear canal’s normal protective mechanisms.
“Moisture resulting from water entering the canal can foster fungal infections, causing itching and discharge, while the use of buds or pins can introduce bacterial infections.”
Although earwax is a protective barrier against injuries, exposure to stagnant water, particularly during activities like swimming, could increase the risk of infection.