Exclusive: Is Daily Ear Cleaning Wise? Doctor Shares The Dos And Dont’s Associated With This Habitual Practice
For many, ear cleaning is a daily activity. In fact, there are many who follow unsafe practices at home to clear their ears without realizing that they are not merely cleaning their ears but actually damaging them.
Hence, in an interview with Boldsky, Dr Sunitha Madhavan (Senior Consultant – ENT Specialist) at Kinder Hospital has debunked various myths related to ear cleaning and outlined the correct process.
Ear cleaning is a habitual practice for many, often undertaken without full awareness of its potential dangers. Unsafe methods, such as using cotton buds or self irrigating the ears with water, can lead to discomfort, blockages, and even injury.
The Self-Cleansing Mechanism of the Ear Canal
The ear canal possesses a natural self-cleansing mechanism whereby wax and skin debris migrate outward, eliminating the need for daily cleaning. However, if dirt or debris accumulates near the ear canal opening, a soft cloth can be used for gentle cleaning. It’s crucial to avoid inserting objects deep into the ear canal to prevent injury, particularly for individuals with structural abnormalities, narrow ear canals, or a history of ear surgery.
Complications of Daily Ear Cleaning
The habitual practice of daily ear cleaning, particularly through excessive washing, can disrupt the ear canal’s normal protective mechanisms. This disruption may lead to a range of complications, including alterations in the ear canal’s pH levels and reduced lubrication from the secretory glands, rendering it more susceptible to infections.
Moisture resulting from water entry can foster fungal infections, causing itching and discharge, while the use of buds or pins for cleaning can introduce secondary bacterial infections.
Additionally, ear canal dryness and allergies may exacerbate itching sensations. Although ear wax typically serves as a protective barrier against injuries, exposure to stagnant or contaminated water, particularly during activities like swimming, can increase the risk of infection, resulting in pain and discharge.
