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Health Experts Warn Against Dangerous Practice That Could Lead to Hearing Loss
Despite their widespread use, cotton buds — also called cotton swabs or Q-tips — are not designed for cleaning the inside of your ears, medical experts have repeatedly warned. This warning, often overlooked, is now gaining renewed urgency as ear-related complications are on the rise among Nigerians.
Many people mistakenly believe that removing earwax with cotton buds promotes better hygiene. In reality, this practice can do more harm than good.
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TJ News Nigeria reports that doctors and public health officials are raising awareness about the risks of inserting cotton buds into the ear canal and encouraging the public to adopt safer alternatives.
Cotton Buds and the Myth of “Clean Ears”
The notion that earwax is “dirty” and must be removed regularly is a common misconception. In truth, earwax (cerumen) plays a protective role in maintaining ear health. It traps dust, bacteria, and other foreign particles, preventing them from reaching the eardrum.
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However, when cotton buds are used to clean the ears, they often push wax deeper, increasing the risk of impaction and blockage. This can result in pain, hearing loss, or even infection.
“The ear is a self-cleaning organ,” said Dr. Chinyere Okonkwo, a Lagos-based otolaryngologist. “Using cotton buds interferes with this natural process and exposes you to injury and infection.”
Medical Risks of Using Cotton Buds in the Ear Canal
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Health professionals warn that the use of cotton buds for ear cleaning poses multiple health risks. These include:
1. Impacted Earwax
When wax is pushed deep into the ear canal, it can harden and cause a blockage. This often results in:
- Hearing difficulty
- Ear pain
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Dizziness
2. Ear Infections
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Micro-abrasions caused by cotton buds create openings for bacteria and fungi, leading to outer ear infections (otitis externa).
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3. Eardrum Damage
Accidental insertion of the swab too deep can rupture the tympanic membrane (eardrum) — a serious injury that can cause permanent hearing loss.
4. Increased Wax Production
The body may respond to irritation by producing even more wax, creating a cycle of buildup and over-cleaning.
“I’ve seen patients lose their hearing temporarily due to impacted wax and infections caused by cotton buds,” Dr. Okonkwo told TJ News Nigeria. “In some cases, surgery is required to repair the damage.”
What the Packaging Says — and Why You Should Read It
Most cotton bud packages carry a clear warning:
“Do not insert into ear canal. Improper use can cause injury.”
Despite this, misuse remains rampant. A survey conducted by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in 2024 found that over 65% of adults in urban areas routinely use cotton buds to clean their ears, often ignoring these safety warnings.
“It’s become a habit passed from generation to generation, but it’s time we change that,” said a public health official at the Federal Ministry of Health.
What Cotton Buds Are Really Meant For
Cotton buds do serve a purpose — just not in your ears. Their design allows for precision cleaning and application in areas that are small or hard to reach. Below are safe and appropriate ways to use cotton swabs:
1. Cleaning Electronics
Use cotton swabs to clean:
- Keyboard gaps
- Mobile phone charging ports
- Earphone or headphone jacks
2. Applying Medication
For applying:
- Antibiotic ointments to cuts or blisters
- Skin treatments to acne spots
- Ear drops around the outer ear (never inside)
3. Cosmetic Uses
Common in makeup routines:
- Smudging or correcting eyeliner and lipstick
- Removing mascara or eyeshadow errors
- Applying highlighter in small areas
4. Manicure Cleanup
Cotton buds are effective for:
- Removing excess nail polish around the nails
- Cleaning glue from artificial nails
5. Creative and Household Tasks
They can also be used for:
- DIY painting or creating art textures
- Applying glue or oils to small surfaces
- Cleaning jewellery or camera lenses
“If used correctly, cotton buds are incredibly useful — just not for ear hygiene,” said Ngozi Peters, a pharmacist in Abuja.
Why the Ear is Self-Cleaning — And What You Should Do Instead
The human ear is designed to clean itself. Jaw movements from talking or chewing help move earwax naturally outward. Once it reaches the outer ear, it can be wiped away with a soft cloth.
Alternatives to Cotton Buds for Ear Cleaning:
- Use a damp towel to clean only the outer ear (pinna).
- Apply ear drops to soften hardened wax (ask a pharmacist).
- Visit an ENT specialist for professional ear irrigation or microsuction if you feel discomfort.
“There’s no need to remove wax unless it’s causing problems,” Dr. Okonkwo emphasized. “When in doubt, seek professional help — not a cotton bud.”
Public Health Recommendations in Nigeria
The Federal Ministry of Health, in its 2023 Ear Health Advisory, advised the public to:
- Stop inserting objects into the ear canal, including cotton buds, keys, or feathers.
- Educate children and teenagers on ear safety.
- Seek medical help for hearing problems, wax buildup, or recurring ear pain.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also classified cotton swab misuse as a common cause of preventable hearing damage globally.
Nigerians Share Their Experiences
TJ News Nigeria gathered testimonies from residents in Lagos and Abuja who suffered complications from cotton bud misuse.
“I thought it was just wax until I lost hearing in one ear,” said Uche E., a 32-year-old banker in Surulere. “The ENT doctor removed a large lump of impacted wax I had pushed deep with a cotton bud. I’ve stopped using them ever since.”
✍️ Final Thoughts: Don’t Abuse It
Cotton buds are everywhere — in bathrooms, handbags, and baby kits. But their misuse remains a silent public health concern. While they are helpful tools for grooming and cleaning, they should never go inside your ear canal.
“It’s time to change our habits,” said Dr. Okonkwo. “If there’s one message I want every Nigerian to remember: cotton buds are not ear cleaners. Stop abusing them.”
✅ Summary: What You Should Know
| ❌ Don’t Use For | ✅ Safe Uses |
|---|---|
| Cleaning inside the ear canal | Cleaning electronic ports (phones, keyboards) |
| Removing wax from deep ear | Applying ointment to small wounds |
| Scratching inner ear | Touching up nail polish or makeup |
| Cleaning jewellery, lenses, and other tight spaces |
For more public health tips and verified medical advice, visit the Health section of TJ News Nigeria.
Let us know: Do you still use cotton buds in your ears? Share your story or ask your questions in the comments.
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