People should rarely intervene with earwax, as our bodies naturally manage it, but some are turning to DIY methods that could cause harm. A doctor has warned that attempting to clean ears at home with cotton buds, ear candles, or metal tools can lead to 'permanent ear damage'.
Earwax protects and cleans the ear canal by trapping dirt and microorganisms. Ears have a natural cleaning cycle, pushing wax out over time where it dries and flakes off. However, if wax becomes excessive, people may try to help the process along.
Dr Suraj Kukadia, known as Dr Sooj online, advises against digging in the ear. He says: 'As long as you don't go digging in your ear [with] cotton buds, Q tips, ear candles or metal tools. It can make it worse by pushing wax deeper into the canal or by damaging the ear canal itself.'
Instead, he recommends using olive oil or sodium bicarbonate ear drops if you are sure you have excessive earwax. Apply a few drops twice a day for up to four weeks to soften the wax. If it remains blocked, a doctor can remove it using gentle irrigation or microsuction.
Dr Sooj warns that the eardrum is 'thinner than paper' and a slip could cause pain, infection, hearing loss, and sometimes permanent damage. The NHS advises that earwax cannot be prevented, but regular use of eardrops or olive oil can help soften build-up and prevent blockages.
