Health risks associated with cleaning ears with cotton buds have been highlighted by Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist Dr. Bunmilola Oyeleye-Bello. She warns that mothers who use cotton buds to clean their babies’ ears may inadvertently expose them to the risk of hearing loss. Dr. Oyeleye-Bello, who practices at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in Gwagwalada, emphasizes that it is unnecessary to use cotton buds for ear cleaning, as nature has its own mechanisms for eliminating earwax.
According to Dr. Oyeleye-Bello, using cotton buds can lead to perforation of the eardrum, which may result in conductive hearing loss. During an exclusive interview with HealthWise, she stated, “Nature has a way of getting rid of wax from the body, so we don’t need to interfere with the process by using a cotton bud.” Although the use of cotton buds is a common practice, she pointed out that the associated hazards are well documented. She clarified that the wax mothers attempt to remove from their babies’ ears is not dirt but a normal body discharge that serves an important function in protecting the ear from infection.
The Cleveland Clinic describes earwax, or cerumen, as a substance produced by the body to safeguard the ears. It possesses both lubricating and antibacterial properties. Untreated buildup of earwax can lead to various issues, including hearing loss, irritation, ear pain, dizziness, and ringing in the ears. Dr. Oyeleye-Bello explained, “When mothers use a cotton bud to clean the ears of their babies and it brings out this chocolate, brownish, creamy substance, they think it is dirt. It is not dirt; we call it wax or cerumen. It has a function in the ear, fighting against bacteria and fungi, and preventing the skin in the ear canal from becoming macerated due to water exposure.”
Dr. Oyeleye-Bello stressed the importance of understanding that earwax is a normal body discharge with a specific role. She reiterated that nature effectively manages the removal of wax once it has fulfilled its purpose, making cotton buds unnecessary. Furthermore, she explained the dangers of using cotton buds, noting that they can disrupt the natural migration pattern of skin in the ear. This disruption can lead to wax accumulation, as the normal process of wax falling off is hindered. Consequently, individuals may experience blocked ears and may need to consult a specialist to have the wax removed. Thus, using cotton buds can damage the natural migration pattern of the skin in the ear, leading to further complications.
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