Why not clean the ears with cotton sticks

A habit to clean the ears can lead to very unpleasant consequences. Layfhaker learned doctors, otolaryngologists, like cotton buds can harm the health of the ears.

Even if you love to clean the ears with cotton sticks, do not do it. Otorhinolaryngologists joke: "Do not put your ear to nothing less than the elbow." But some jokes here: the use of cotton sticks may cause harm to the ears.

And that's why. Typically cerumen is produced only in the outer third of the ear canal, but if it is pushed deeper, it will put pressure on the eardrum. A cotton swab instead to clean wax from the ear, pushing it deeper into the ear canal to the eardrum. This can lead to permanent hearing loss.

We can jostle sulfur deeper and thereby block the ear canal, ear cease to hear. Or damage to this gray eardrum. Then we have a long, if not a lifetime, to be treated at Laura.

Igor Manevitch doctor otolaryngologist clinic "Medicine", doctor of the highest qualification category

When using cotton sticks easily injure the skin of the ear canal. In place of the wound accumulate bacteria, and it is likely to earn otitis. There are other unpleasant consequences: ringing in the ears, itching, irritation and inflammation. When careless use of the applicator can be accidentally perforated eardrum or damage the auditory ossicles. And it threatens the loss of hearing.

In my experience, a lot of patients with ear problems due to the use of cotton swabs. The most frequent complications - cerumen, otomycosis, external ear infections, boils, perforation of the eardrums bleeding from the ear.

Sophia Abduhatova, mobile clinic laryngologist DOC +

Why sulfur

The fact that the sulfur - it is not dirt, and protection for our ears. It does not allow insects to enter the ear canal.

Also cerumen acts as an antibacterial and antifungal agent, preventing the appearance of ear infections. She pushes the dust, hairs, dead skin cells away from the inner ear.

Cotton buds can tear soft protective layer and to open the entrance gate for infections, which are very much in the external auditory canal, fungi and bacteria. They are embedded in the soft skin and cause inflammation - otitis.

Igor Manevitch

All attempts to get rid of sulfur alone will not lead to anything good. Your body will be able to clean the ear canal and without your intervention.

Patients often complain: "I have a lot of sulfur," "I have a little sulfur," "I have a sulfur dark color", "I have a sulfur yellow." But no one really say how much should be sulfur. It should be as long as necessary at this time for the ear to make it feel comfortable.

Igor Manevitch

How to properly clean the ears

In fact, doing so is not necessary. The only reason to remove sulfur - the formation of ear plugs, and to do so should a doctor. But if you feel uncomfortable, you can wash the ears with water and soap. After shampooing towel blot outer side ear.

Another safe way to clean ears - use cotton pad.

It is recommended to clean the ears 1-2 times a month, using cotton pads soaked in water. Wipe them folds of the ear and the entrance to the ear canal.

Sophia Abduhatova