Can't you dig your ears with cotton swabs? Myths and truths about earwax

You don't have to remove earwax

Earwax is formed by secretions of the sebaceous glands and sweat glands in the ear canal, or by mixing epidermal cells, keratinocytes, and external dirt together. This type of wax has many good properties such as enzymes and protects the ears. So there's no reason to remove it.  

When to remove earwax

Nonetheless, there are times when it is absolutely necessary to remove earwax.

First, if there is inflammation inside the ear and needs to be checked, but the inside of the ear cannot be seen because the earwax is obscured

Second, if you have oily skin or watery earwax, or if you frequently touch your ears and use cotton swabs frequently.

In the above case, the earwax clumps together and forms a plug, which causes the ear to become clogged, causing oozing, odor, and inflammation, so be sure to remove the wax.

What if you hear a rustling sound in your ears?

Earwax usually only forms on the outer third of the ear, and the inner part of the eardrum, where the eardrum resides, does not.

If you hear a rustling sound in your ears, it's because the wax has gone deeper into your ears than it should be. When you talk and chew, the body itself has a self-cleaning process that allows the wax to flush out on its own, but if you dig in with your hands or a cotton swab and push the wax from the outside inside, the wax can get inside the ear. In this case, you can visit an ENT doctor and remove the wax with suction that sucks out the wax.

Otolaryngologist talks about ear health care tips in everyday life

If you go a little deeper and pick your ear, you will not only keep the wax pushing in, but it will also loosen the stitches on the swab and cause inflammation of the ear canal wall.

Those who are unable to self-clean the wax can dissolve the wax with an earwax remover. It is important to note that earwax removal should be avoided if there is inflammation or perforation of the eardrum in the ear canal.