The ear wax is called cerumen which accumulates in the ear. Ear wax blockage occurs when the ear wax accumulates and becomes hard to wash away.
The ear wax is a natural part of the body‘s defense as it cleans and protects the ear canal by stopping the dirt and the growth of various infectious bacteria.
If a lot of ear wax accumulated then a person may experience
- Ear pain
- Feeling of fullness in the ear
- Ringing noises or tinnitus
- Decreased hearing
The glands secrete the ear wax in the skin present in the ear canals. The secreted wax and the micro-sized hair present in the passages are responsible for trapping dust and other foreign agents that could damage the eardrum. Over accumulation of ear wax is harmful.
Why is it dangerous to clean the ears with cotton buds?
The cotton swabs are harmless, but they can prove dangerous when used to clean the ears.
Globally doctors and healthcare people have witnessed many disastrous results of people using cotton swabs to clean their ears. Some of them even damage the eardrums.
People often self-clean their ears with many dangerous items like
- Pencil
- Hairpins
- Toys
- Keys
- Cotton swabs
People use several other products to clean their ears.
However, people fail to realize that putting objects inside the ear to remove the dirt can be dangerous and cause ear damage.
The most common way people remove the ear wax buildup is by using cotton swabs.
It tends to cause more harm than good.
The eardrum, an important part of the ear, can be easily damaged.
The cotton swabs can easily reach the eardrum. Due to its delicate nature, it can be disturbed even with the slightest pressure. A ruptured eardrum is a painful experience for anyone.
Even though minor damages heal by themself, some damage occurs and causes permanent ear damage or results in hearing loss.
Only after such a situation would people see a doctor.
How to clean the ear?
The outer ear can be cleaned with water while taking a bath. But it is important to clean the ears to avoid damage gently.
Mostly, the ear canal does not require cleaning. While washing your hair or taking showers, some water enters the ear canal, which loosens the accumulated wax.
Most of the time, loose ear wax would fall out when we were asleep.
There is no actual need for cotton swabs to pull out the ear wax.
Only a person who has a high amount of wax buildup needs to visit a doctor.
The doctor would remove the earwax with peroxide and water, injected into the ear.
To sum up
We need to understand that the ear is a delicate organ. Putting in sharp objects or cotton swabs can damage the delicate parts of the ear.
Enough water enters the ears to lose the ear wax and make it fall out when we sleep.
If a person puts in cotton swabs inside his ear canal, there is a high chance that he may damage the eardrums. The damage caused may be mild or permanent.
Visit your doctor if there is a high wax buildup in the ear. Consulting a medical professional would help us prevent unwanted damage to the sensitive organs present in the body.
