You've probably grabbed a cotton swab after a shower to clean your ears. It feels satisfying, even necessary. However, audiologists and ENT physicians warn that this habit could damage your hearing—and potentially land you in the emergency room.
Why it matters
Your ears are self-cleaning organs that don't need cotton swabs. Using them in your ear canal can push wax deeper, cause infections, damage delicate skin, or puncture your eardrum and damage the tiny bones responsible for hearing.
How it works
Earwax isn't the enemy—it's protective. The yellow or light brown substance is produced by glands in the outer third of your ear canal, where it moisturizes skin, traps dirt and debris, and defends against bacteria and fungi. Chewing or talking naturally pushes earwax toward the ear opening, where it naturally exists.
The problem
Inserting a cotton swab into your ear canal disrupts this natural process.
"If you stick a Q-tip in your ear, you'll notice that the Q-tip has some wax on it, but it's getting half of it out and then pushing the other half deeper," —Tiffany Chao, MD, assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Department of Otorhinolaryngology
Ears are self-cleaning organs.
The big picture
Cotton swabs aren't just ineffective—they're dangerous.
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The abrasive fibers can scratch your ear canal skin, compromising your body's protective barrier.
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Cotton swabs are among the most common foreign objects found in adult ears in emergency rooms.
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Worse, someone opens a bathroom door while you're cleaning your ears, or bumps your arm, and the swab punctures your eardrum or dislodges your hearing bones (ossicles).
Yes, but
Some people need help with earwax. Skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis can impede wax from sliding out naturally. Hearing aids can also interfere with the self-cleaning process. In these cases, routine cleaning by an audiologist or ENT physician may be necessary.
What to know
First, see an audiologist to rule out impactions or anatomical issues, then clean your ears safely at home.
- After showering, when the wax is soft, gently wipe the visible entrance of your ear canal with a damp towel or cotton swab dipped in mineral oil.
"When looking in the mirror, if you can't see the tip of your Q-tip head, that means you've gone in too far." —Ana H. Kim, MD, Columbia University
The bottom line
Leave deeper cleaning to trained professionals. Your ears have been cleaning themselves perfectly without your help—and they'll continue doing so if you leave them alone.
Keep your ears healthy and hearing clear
Proper ear care protects your hearing and prevents painful complications. If you're experiencing earwax buildup, muffled hearing, or discomfort, our free 15-minute hearing screening can help you:
- Assess your ear health and identify any wax impaction
- Determine if professional earwax removal is needed
- Learn safe, effective ear care techniques for home use
- Prevent hearing damage from improper cleaning methods
Schedule your free screening today and get expert guidance on protecting your ears the right way.
★ Call 708-599-9500 to schedule your free screening.
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