Is using an earpick to clean ears harmful to health?

Understanding the Proper Use of Ear Picks

Many people consider the act of cleaning their ears as a part of hygiene management. Using cotton swabs or ear picks to remove earwax can provide a sense of relief, and when the inside of the ear feels itchy, there is a natural inclination to want to dig in the ears. However, it is essential to accurately understand and practice how these commonly repeated habits actually affect ear health and how to respond wisely when the ears are itchy.

Earwax is a protective barrier that the body creates on its own.

Earwax is a secretion that is naturally produced in the ear canal, serving as a barrier to prevent harmful external substances like dirt and bacteria from penetrating the eardrum. At the same time, it helps maintain the moisture of the skin in the ear canal, preventing dryness and itchiness. In most cases, earwax is gradually expelled to the outside due to natural pressure changes that occur when moving the jaw. In fact, cleanliness is maintained without specifically cleaning the ears, and sometimes it's more beneficial for ear health to avoid touching them altogether.

The habit of frequently digging into your ears can actually cause problems.

Light ear cleaning is not a major issue, but the habit of digging too often or too deeply can cause various problems. For example, earwax can be pushed toward the eardrum, leading to temporary hearing loss or a feeling of fullness in the ear. Tinnitus can develop, and bacterial infections may occur due to small wounds on the outer ear canal skin. Especially when using metal ear picks or cotton swabs, if inserted unconsciously too deeply, it can damage the eardrum. Such damage does not end with momentary pain, but can impact ear health in the long term. Therefore, even when cleaning the ears, it is safest to just gently tidy up the outer part of the ear canal.

When your ear itches, try this.

When your ear itches, instead of immediately digging into your ear, we recommend trying the following methods to alleviate the symptoms. First, avoid scratching: While it may provide temporary relief to scratch with your nails or a cotton swab, it can actually worsen the itch due to skin irritation. Second, gentle massage: Lightly rubbing the outer ear with a warm towel or massaging the area around the ear can improve blood circulation and help reduce itching. Third, moisture control: Maintaining indoor humidity levels between 40% and 60% can help reduce dryness of the skin inside the ear. Fourth, natural drying: If water gets into your ear after a shower, tilting your head to drain the water and gently pressing with a towel to dry naturally is safer. If, after trying these methods, the itching persists or symptoms like pain or discharge occur, it is necessary to visit an ear, nose, and throat specialist for an accurate diagnosis.

Different standards of ear care for each individual

There is not just one answer to ear health management. Those who have a buildup of earwax or a narrow ear canal may need regular cleaning. However, in such cases, it is preferable to safely receive management from a specialist at an otolaryngology clinic rather than attempting to dig it out oneself at home. For daily care, simply gently wiping the outer ear with a clean towel is sufficient, and as long as there are no special abnormalities, it is best to avoid touching the inside of the ear to maintain ear health.

Conclusion: Cleaning your ears less is actually beneficial for your health.

The act of cleaning the ears cannot be definitively deemed harmful. However, excessive or frequent ear cleaning can push earwax towards the eardrum or cause injuries and infections, so caution is necessary. Earwax is a natural barrier that our body produces, and mild itching can be managed through environmental adjustments and avoiding irritants. Above all, the key to ear health is maintaining a balance of 'not excessive.' Reducing unnecessary irritants and seeking professional help when discomfort persists is the simplest yet most reliable way to keep ears healthy. Touching the ears less is ultimately the greatest consideration for their well-being.