According to doctors, using cotton buds or hot oil to remove earwax is dangerous. While earwax usually comes out on its own, if you experience symptoms like pain, dizziness, or hearing loss, you should consult a doctor immediately.

If you experience hearing loss, a heavy or blocked ear, persistent itching, and sometimes a ringing or whistling sound, along with mild pain or itching, it means you have earwax (yellowish dirt) accumulated in your ear. Many people consider earwax to be dirt, but in fact, a small amount is essential for the ear as it protects it. Earwax

is a mixture of cerumen, sebum, dead skin, sweat, hair, and dust. It often protects the ear canal from bacteria, fungus, dust, and infection. However, excessive amounts, especially dry earwax, can be dangerous. According to

ENT doctor Abraham ( ref .), excessive dry earwax can cause ear blockage, hearing loss, a feeling of heaviness in the ear, itching, a ringing sound, and pain. He explained that some people try any method to remove earwax, which is wrong. The doctor has suggested safe ways to remove earwax.

Why does earwax accumulate in the ears?

The doctor explained that there are several reasons for earwax accumulation . Some people naturally produce more earwax. Some people have a narrow or hairy ear canal. Age can also cause earwax to dry out and accumulate. Repeated water ingress into the ear can cause earwax to swell and cause blockage. Furthermore, inserting a finger, pin, or earbud into the ear pushes earwax further in, causing it to harden.

The biggest mistake is putting cotton buds in your ears

The doctor explained that in most cases, earwax comes out on its own and requires no treatment. Many people use cotton buds to clean their ears, but the doctor explained that this is a dangerous mistake. This pushes earwax deeper, gradually hardening, creating a blockage and even posing a risk of eardrum rupture. Therefore, it's important to avoid putting anything into the ear.

Olive oil is the safest way to remove earwax

According to doctors, olive oil is the safest and most effective way to soften earwax. It loosens the earwax and allows it to slowly fall out. To do this, get an olive oil dropper from the pharmacy and place 2-3 drops in the affected ear twice a day. Use this regularly for about two weeks. After a few days, the earwax will soften and begin to come out.

Use ear drops

The doctor explained that there are other drops available at the pharmacy, such as sodium bicarbonate drops or hydrogen peroxide and docusate sodium drops. These are effective but can sometimes cause ear irritation. Therefore, it's important to consult a doctor before using them.

Avoid ear candles or vacuum cleaners

The doctor advised that ear candles or vacuum cleaners should never be used to remove earwax. There's no scientific evidence that these work, and they can cause burns, injury, or damage. Also, never put hot mustard oil in the ear.

When should one see a doctor?

The doctor said that although earwax comes out on its own, but if there is too much buildup in your ears and because of this you is not getting relief even after five days, your ears are completely blocked, you are hearing very little, you are feeling pain or dizziness, then immediately go to an ENT specialist.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is in no way a substitute for medication or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information. NBT does not claim responsibility for its accuracy, veracity, or effectiveness.

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