It’s a habit many of us have—reaching for a cotton bud (or “earbud”) to give our ears a quick clean. It might feel satisfying, but using earbuds to clean your ears can actually do more harm than good.
At Coastal Hearing, we regularly see patients who have unknowingly damaged their ears by using earbuds. Here’s why it’s time to rethink your ear-cleaning routine.
1. Earbuds Can Push Wax Deeper
The most common issue with using earbuds is that instead of removing wax, you often push it further into the ear canal. This can lead to a wax blockage, causing muffled hearing, discomfort, or even temporary hearing loss.
2. Your Ears Are Self-Cleaning
That’s right—your ears are designed to clean themselves! Earwax (also known as cerumen) plays an important role in trapping dust, dirt, and bacteria before they reach deeper into the ear. Normally, earwax moves to the outer ear naturally, where it dries up and falls out on its own.
3. You Risk Damaging Your Eardrum
Even a gentle poke with an earbud can cause serious damage. The skin inside the ear canal is delicate and can tear easily, leading to infections. In worst-case scenarios, pushing too far can perforate the eardrum—an extremely painful condition that may require medical intervention.
4. It Can Lead to Ear Infections
By using an earbud, you may irritate or scratch the ear canal, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. This can result in painful ear infections such as otitis externa (commonly known as swimmer’s ear).
So, How Should You Clean Your Ears?
If you feel like your ears are blocked, itchy, or uncomfortable, the safest approach is to leave the cleaning to the professionals. At Coastal Hearing, we offer safe, gentle earwax removal using microsuction—quick, comfortable, and no water involved.
When to Seek Help
- You’re experiencing reduced hearing
- You feel pressure or fullness in the ear
- You have a history of wax build-up
- You’re prone to ear infections
Book an Earwax Removal Appointment
Don’t let blocked ears affect your hearing. If you're concerned about earwax or have been using earbuds regularly, contact Coastal Hearing today. Our trained audiologists can assess your ears and provide safe, professional care.
📍 Available in Colwyn Bay, Prestatyn, Anglesey, and Mold
📞 Book your hearing check today 0800 054 8458.