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Are Cotton Buds Safe To Clean The Ear Wax?
Question: Is using cotton buds to remove ear wax ok?
Brief Answer:
not normally recommended, can compact wax , damage eardru
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
If you only intend to use them at the very outer aspect of the ear and not insert it into the middle ear then it is fine.
If you insert further, you may push the wax towards the ear drum and cause it to become compacted and harder , making it more difficult to remove.
There is also the risk of damaging the eardrum.
You can consider a softening agent. When the wax is soft, it would come out to the outer ear allowing it to be easily removed.
Softening agents should be over the counter at your local pharmacy.
If this alone is not helpful, you may need to have your ears syringed
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
not normally recommended, can compact wax , damage eardru
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
If you only intend to use them at the very outer aspect of the ear and not insert it into the middle ear then it is fine.
If you insert further, you may push the wax towards the ear drum and cause it to become compacted and harder , making it more difficult to remove.
There is also the risk of damaging the eardrum.
You can consider a softening agent. When the wax is soft, it would come out to the outer ear allowing it to be easily removed.
Softening agents should be over the counter at your local pharmacy.
If this alone is not helpful, you may need to have your ears syringed
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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