By Franklin Delgado
Although the use of cotton-tipped swabs is widespread, the medical community, especially otolaryngologists, advises against their use.
Dr. María José Lavilla, president of the SEORL-CCC Audiology Commission, explained to EFE Health the reasons why this practice is not safe.
Let us remember that the external auditory canal is like a tube that connects the pinna of the ear with the eardrum. This duct is covered with skin that has a slightly acidic Ph (6.1 in normal people) that gives it great protective power to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. That’s why we have to be very careful with what we introduce.
Consequences of using swabs
Injuries to the ear canal: Rubbing with cotton swabs can damage the acid mantle of the ear, leaving the skin open to infection.
Frequent infections: These lesions increase the possibility of infections such as otitis externa, especially in polluting aquatic environments.
Earwax function: Earwax acts as a pure barrier against bacteria and is essential for ear health. Its removal can lead to serious hearing health problems.
The most serious thing is that what is achieved with the swabs or sticks is to compact the wax and push it further inside, potentially perforating the eardrum and even damaging the chain of internal ossicles of the ear.
Safe hearing hygiene practices
The best way to maintain ear hygiene is to allow the pure cleaning process to run uninterrupted. According to the expert, jaw movements help move earwax and dead cells to the outside.
Cleaning tips: It is recommended to gently clean the pinna and behind the ears with a soft cloth after showering. This ensures proper hygiene without interfering with pure ear protection.
Ear cleaning frequency
The cleaning of the auricle (the outer part of the ear) it is usually enough to do it with daily hygiene of the face and hairthat is, when showering or washing your body, without having to do it intensely or every day.
Recommended frequency
- For most people, it is enough to Gently clean the pavilion with soap and water or a damp towel during the shower2–3 times a week or according to bathing routine.
- Daily deep cleaning is not recommended because it can irritate the skin or alter the pure protection that earwax offers.
When to increase frequency
- It can be cleaned more frequently if there is excessive sweating, use of headphones, headphones or frequent swimmingalways only on the external part, without introducing swabs or objects into the canal.
- If symptoms such as earwax plug, pain, ringing, or clogged ear sensationcleaning should be done by a professional and not at home.
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