Let’s be honest: there’s something oddly satisfying about a cotton bud in the ear. That gentle tickle, the sense of accomplishment as you ‘clean’ out the wax—it’s a ritual many of us have indulged in for decades.
But here’s the cold, hard truth: doctors say it’s time to break up with your beloved cotton buds, and for 99 per cent of us, it’s not just a little naughty—it’s downright dangerous.
The irresistible urge to clean
Despite the warnings plastered on every box of cotton buds (‘Do not insert into ear canal!’), most Australians have dabbled in a bit of DIY ear cleaning.
Social media is awash with ‘hacks’ promising safer ways to use cotton buds, like adding a drop of oil to ‘pull the wax out’ without poking too deep. It sounds clever, but is it really safe?
One hygiene influencer, Madame Sweat, recently suggested this oil trick online, claiming it lets the oil do the heavy lifting.
But scroll through the comments and you’ll find horror stories: ‘I punctured my eardrum with a Q Tip and now I’m partially deaf on that side. I still Q Tip my ears, though.’
Another warns, ‘Do not dig in your ears with anything… I’m now partially deaf and have tinnitus in both ears from doing so.’
What the experts say: Just don’t do it
Dr Marco Raftopulos, a Sydney-based ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeon, is unequivocal: ’99 per cent of the population should just leave their ears alone.
Don’t put anything in your ears, ever.’ He explains that earwax isn’t just a nuisance—it’s there for a reason.
It protects the delicate skin of the ear canal, reduces the risk of infection, and only rarely builds up enough to cause problems.
‘The ear canal is maybe three or four centimetres deep, and at the end is the eardrum—a very sensitive piece of anatomy,’ Dr Marco says.
‘When people shove cotton buds in, you can easily bruise or even puncture the eardrum, or scratch the canal, which increases the risk of infection. Cotton buds are a big no-no.’
When is earwax a problem?
For the vast majority of us, earwax is self-cleaning. It naturally migrates out of the ear canal, taking dust and debris with it.
Only in rare cases does it build up enough to block hearing or cause discomfort. If you do notice wax at the entrance of your ear, Dr Marco says it’s okay to gently wipe it away with a damp cloth or, at most, the very tip of a cotton bud—but never insert it more than half a centimetre.
If you’re experiencing hearing loss, pain, a blocked sensation, or signs of infection (redness, heat, tenderness), it’s time to see your GP or an ENT specialist.
They have the right tools—from gentle flushing to microscopic suction—to safely remove wax without risking damage.
The dangers of DIY ear cleaning
It’s not just cotton buds that are risky. People have tried everything from hairpins to matchsticks (please, no!) in pursuit of squeaky-clean ears.
The result? A steady stream of patients with punctured eardrums, infections, and even permanent hearing loss.
And those ‘ear candles’ you might have seen online? They’re not just ineffective—they can actually cause burns, blockages, and further injury.
How should you clean your ears?
Here’s the golden rule: if it’s not visible, don’t touch it. The outer ear can be cleaned with a washcloth during your regular shower. If you feel you have a build-up, resist the urge to poke around. Instead, see a professional who can assess and treat the problem safely.
When to seek help
If you notice any of the following, book an appointment with your GP or an ENT specialist:
- Persistent hearing loss or blocked sensation
- Pain, redness, or swelling in or around the ear
- Discharge or bleeding from the ear
- Itching or a strong urge to scratch inside the ear
These could be signs of infection, wax impaction, or other conditions that need proper medical attention.
The bottom line
We know old habits die hard, but when it comes to your ears, less is more. Your body is designed to take care of itself—and your ears are no exception. So next time you reach for that cotton bud, remember: it’s better to leave well enough alone.
Have you ever had a close call with a cotton bud or another DIY ear cleaning method? Or do you have a tried-and-true way to keep your ears healthy? Share your stories and tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
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