A leading NHS doctor has issued a stark warning about the common habit of cleaning ears with cotton buds, stating it can lead to serious and sometimes permanent hearing damage.
The Hidden Dangers of Cotton Buds
Dr Suraj Kukadia, a 33-year-old GP from Hertfordshire known on social media as Dr Sooj, says he has witnessed numerous 'horror stories' resulting from this practice. With nearly 300,000 followers on TikTok, the GP uses his platform to educate the public.
In a recent video, Dr Sooj explained that people often unintentionally impact ear wax against their eardrum by using buds. This can lead to a trio of troubling symptoms: reduced hearing, dizziness, and tinnitus.
He specifically warned against not just cotton buds, but also Q-tips, ear candles, and metal tools, as they can push wax deeper into the ear canal or cause physical damage to its sensitive lining.
Understanding Tinnitus and Other Risks
Tinnitus is the medical term for hearing internal noises like ringing or buzzing without an external source. It occurs due to damage to the cochlear hair cells in the inner ear. This damage forces other parts of the ear to overcompensate, leading to the condition and potentially chronic hearing loss.
According to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), approximately one in seven UK adults lives with tinnitus. Treatment is limited to management strategies or sound therapy, as there is currently no cure.
Beyond tinnitus, Dr Sooj highlighted other severe risks. He has treated patients with nasty infections and knows of cases where people were left temporarily deaf after tearing a hole in their eardrum.
He recounted, 'I’ve also seen someone who has done something similar and then a couple of days later developed otitis externa—an infection of their outer ear canal. They had pain and discharge.'
The Safe Way to Manage Ear Wax
Fortunately, abandoning cotton buds doesn't mean resigning yourself to dirty ears. Dr Sooj recommends a much gentler and safer approach using liquid remedies.
For those with excessive wax, he suggests using olive oil or sodium bicarbonate ear drops. 'At home the safest option is to use things like olive oil or sodium bicarbonate ear drops,' he advised. 'Then you can use a few drops into the affected ear twice a day for up to four weeks. This will help to soften the wax, and then hopefully it will just naturally start to come out.'
He also stressed the importance of applying the drops correctly to ensure they work effectively and don't simply run out. The NHS provides clear guidance for this:
- Read the instructions and wash your hands.
- Warm the bottle in your hands and shake it well.
- Lie on your side with the affected ear facing upwards.
- Gently pull your earlobe upwards and away from your neck.
- Administer the correct number of drops.
- Keep your head tilted for about five minutes.
- Wipe away any excess liquid and wash your hands again.
If ear drops do not resolve the issue after several weeks, it is time to seek professional help. 'We can then remove it using gentle irrigation or micro suction,' Dr Sooj said. He issued a final, firm warning: 'Please don't try a DIY extraction because your eardrum is thinner than paper and a small slip could cause pain, infection and even hearing loss.'
