Audiologists have warned that using cotton buds to remove earwax can cause hearing damage and tinnitus. The advice comes as part of a broader set of recommendations to protect hearing, which is increasingly at risk from loud devices and earbuds.
Kevin Munro, professor of audiology at the University of Manchester, said that hearing loss often goes unnoticed until it affects relationships. “People think everyone is mumbling, and then those they live with complain about the television volume. That’s the time to take notice,” he said.
Dr Siobhán Brennan, chair of the British Society of Audiology, noted that modern headphones allow louder volumes without distortion, increasing the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. She advised wearing earplugs at concerts and following the 50/50 rule: using headphones at no more than 50% volume for no more than 50 minutes at a time.
Renee Almeida, adult audiology clinical lead at Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust, explained that loud noise can cause the stapedius muscle in the inner ear to spasm, leading to temporary tinnitus. She recommended avoiding loud environments and standing away from speakers at gigs.
Experts also urged people to have their hearing tested regularly and to never insert objects into the ear canal. “Cotton buds can push wax deeper, causing blockages and damage,” said Dr Jay Jindal, an audiologist.
