Ear buds: correct use and alternatives

Ear sticks, a ubiquitous item in our hygiene kits, are often used to clean the ears. But contrary to popular belief, inserting ear sticks into the ear canal can do more harm than good.

The Elytis Hospital, experienced ENT doctors can advise you on the correct methods of ear care and help you avoid complications that can arise from improper use of ear sticks.

In this article, we explore the risks associated with the use of ear sticks, present correct ways to use them (if needed) and provide safe alternatives to maintain optimal ear hygiene.

Why can ear sticks be harmful?

The ear canal has a natural self-cleansing mechanism.

Cerumen, a waxy substance produced by wax glands, protects the ear from bacteria, fungi and other foreign particles. Movements of the jaw during speaking or chewing, together with the natural migration of the skin in the ear canal, help to gradually push the earwax out of the ear.

Inserting ear buds into the ear canal can:

• Pushes the earwa wax in: Instead of removing it, ear sticks can push the earwa wax deeper into the ear, forming a plug of earwax that can cause discomfort, a blocked ear, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or even dizziness.
• Damage the eardrum: Sudden or aggressive use of the ear drumsticks can perforate the eardrum, causing severe pain, bleeding, hearing loss and risk of infection.
• It irritates the delicate skin of the ear canal: Excessive cleaning with cotton buds can irritate the skin and may encourage infections.

How to use ear buds safely (if necessary)

If you choose to use ear sticks, it's important to do so with caution and follow these recommendations:

• Use cotton buds with soft, rounded tips: these are less aggressive on the delicate skin of the ear canal.
• Only cleans the outer part of the ear: Do not insert the cotton bud into the ear canal. Use it only to clean the pinna and the entrance to the ear canal.
• Don't force the stick in your ear: If you feel resistance, stop and consult an ENT doctor.
• Do not use chopsticks with young children: Children's ear canals are narrower and more delicate, and the risk of injury is higher.

Safe alternatives for ear hygiene

There are a number of safe and effective alternatives to ear sticks to maintain optimal ear hygiene:

• Ceruminolytic solutions: These solutions help soften earwax and facilitate its natural removal. They can be purchased over-the-counter at the pharmacy.
• Ear irrigation with warm water: This method can be used to remove excess ear wax. A bulb syringe or special ear irrigator is used. It's important to use water at body temperature and not to direct the water jet directly at the eardrum.
• Earwax aspiration: This procedure is performed by an ENT doctor and involves removing earwax with a special aspirator.

When to see an ENT doctor at Elytis Hospital?

It is recommended to consult an ENT doctor at Elytis Hospital if you experience the following symptoms:

• Earache
• Stuffy ear
• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Ear secretions
• Dizziness
• Bleeding from the ear

The ENT doctor will examine the ear with an otoscope and make an accurate diagnosis. Depending on the cause, he or she may recommend appropriate treatment, such as removal of the ear wax plug, medication or surgery.

ENT services at Elytis Hospital

Elytis Hospital offers a full range of ENT services dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose and throat conditions. Our team is made up of experienced ENT physicians who use modern technologies and personalized approaches to provide high quality care to our patients.

Our services include:

• ENT consultations: evaluation of symptoms, diagnosis and recommendation of a personalized treatment plan.
• Audiometry: Hearing testing.
• Tympanometry: Evaluation of middle ear function.
• Nasal and laryngeal endoscopy: Visualization of the inside of the nose and throat.
• Treatment of ear, nose and throat infections: ear infections, sinus infections, sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis.
• Ear, nose and throat surgery: Minimally invasive surgery to correct deviated nasal septum, treatment of chronic sinusitis, removal of tonsils and adenoid vegetations.

The Elytis Hospitalwe are dedicated to your health, offering quality medical services based on professionalism, empathy and an individualized approach.

Don't ignore ear, nose or throat problems! Schedule a consultation at Elytis Hospital and benefit from the expertise and care of our team.

Latest medical review:

20.01.2025, Dr. Alexandra Lungu – Medic Specialist ORL