Cotton buds are usually found in every household for cleaning ears. Many people are surprised to find out that it can seriously affect their hearing. Cotton swabs can provide a brief feeling of cleanliness, but due to the sensitive structure of the ear canal, they pose a risk to the ears.
Here are some side effects of using cotton buds to clean ears
1. Can cause infection
Cotton buds can get polluted with bacteria and other microorganisms, which raises the risk of ear infection. This can result in infections that cause discomfort, inflammation, ear discharge and hearing loss.
2. Hearing loss
The eardrum separates the outer and middle ears. The eardrum serves an important function in sound transmission and hearing. Unfortunately, cotton swabs can accidentally puncture the eardrum, particularly if placed too deeply and with extreme force.
3. Can damage the ear canal lining
As per Dr. Sanjay Sachdeva, senior ENT consultant at HearClear, “The ear canal’s skin is thin and gets easily damaged. Cotton swabs, especially when inserted forcefully, can scratch or scrape the delicate lining. This irritation can lead to inflammation, pain, and even bleeding. Chronic irritation can also thicken the skin of the ear canal, further hindering the natural movement of earwax and potentially causing permanent hearing loss.”
