Dr Amir Khan has issued a public health warning against using cotton buds in the ears, saying the habit can do more harm than good. The practising GP, known for regular appearances on programmes such as Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, shared the warning on his Instagram feed.
"This is a public service announcement. Please stop putting cotton buds in your ears," he said. "I say this with love, and also with the weariness of a doctor who has seen things this week. Your ear canal is self-cleaning."
Why cotton buds are harmful
Dr Khan explained that earwax "is not dirt" and that its purpose is to protect the eardrum from dust, dirt, and small objects. However, forcing cotton buds into the ear can push wax deeper, compact it, irritate or scratch the ear canal, and occasionally damage the eardrum.
He admitted that using cotton buds can feel "satisfying", especially when blobs of wax appear to be removed. "All cotton buds do is push wax deeper, compact it, irritate or scratch the ear canal and occasionally damage the eardrum," he said.
He added: "Bits of cotton can indeed decide to remain behind and take up permanent residency until somebody (pointing at himself) has to retrieve them."
When to seek professional help
Dr Khan advised that people should get checked by a professional if they feel their ear is blocked, painful, or leaking fluid, or notice a sudden change in their hearing.
The NHS states that common symptoms of earwax build-up include hearing loss, earache or a feeling that the ears are blocked, ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), and vertigo (feeling dizzy and sick).
What are cotton buds for?
Experts note that cotton buds have never been intended for cleaning the inside of an ear canal, yet the habit has persisted for generations since the tools were first invented in the 1920s. Even in 2026, despite explicit warnings on the boxes such as 'do not insert into the ear canal', the assumption that they are ear-cleaning tools remains widely held.
Suggested uses for cotton buds include blending eyeshadow, neatening eyeliner, or removing smudged mascara; safely cleaning the delicate outer folds of a baby's ear, nose, or umbilical cord area; precisely applying antiseptic creams or ointments to small cuts and scrapes; and dusting tight gaps between computer keyboard keys or cleaning out mobile phone charging ports.
