Why Cotton Buds Could Be Doing More Harm Than Good

Most of us grew up using cotton buds to “clean” our ears, it feels satisfying and seems like the right thing to do. But here’s the truth: using cotton buds inside your ear canal can actually make your ears dirtier and cause long-term harm.

The Ear’s Natural Cleaning System

Your ears are designed to clean themselves. The skin inside the ear canal naturally moves outwards - slowly pushing wax, debris, and dead skin towards the opening where it dries and flakes away. Earwax (cerumen) itself isn’t dirt; it’s a protective substance that:

• Keeps the ear canal moisturised.

• Traps dust, bacteria, and small particles before they reach the eardrum.

• Has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.

  
  

What Happens When You Use Cotton Buds

When you insert a cotton bud, you may feel like you’re removing wax - but most of the time, you’re just pushing it deeper. This can lead to:

• Wax impaction – a firm plug of wax that can block hearing and cause fullness or tinnitus.

• Itching or irritation – from removing the natural oils that protect the delicate skin of the ear canal.

• Infections – as dry, unprotected skin becomes more prone to inflammation or bacterial growth.

• Eardrum injury – if a bud is inserted too far or used when distracted.

  
  

What You Can Do Instead

If you feel your ears are blocked or itchy:

• Avoid using cotton buds inside the canal. . . only clean the outer ear (what you see in the mirror) with a damp cloth.

• If you regularly get wax build-up, use a few drops of goof quality olive oil once or twice a week to help keep the wax soft and moving naturally.

• For persistent blockage or discomfort, book a professional ear wax removal appointment with an audiologist.

  
  

At Aurora Audiology, we use safe, clinical methods such as microsuction or manual removal to clear wax gently and effectively - without damaging the ear canal or eardrum.

Final Thought

Your ears are self-sufficient - they don’t need cotton buds to stay clean. In fact, leaving them alone is often the best thing you can do.

If you’ve been struggling with blocked ears, book an appointment today - and let your ears breathe again.

Safe effective earwax removal with gentle microsuction.