Article by Hearing Partners, contributed by Noor Atikah Atan, Clinical Audiologist at Hearing Partners
Ear digging involves using an object, such as a Q-tip or cotton bud, to remove wax from inside the ear canal. Often, people do this because of the pervasive feeling that their ears are itchy or clogged due to a buildup of earwax. While cleaning with a Q-tip tends to relieve that itch, this action can be dangerous.
In this article, we debunk some of the common myths surrounding ear digging, highlight the potential complications of this habit and share some tips on what’s best to do instead.
Key Takeaways
- Ear digging is not recommended. It can result in impacted earwax, a ruptured eardrum, ear infections, and even hearing loss.
- The ear is designed to clean itself naturally.
- Earwax plays an important role in protecting the ear canal from dust, debris, and bacteria.
- Avoid using your fingers, cotton buds, or metal digger tools to clean your ears.
- Over-the-counter eardrops, ear irrigation, and microsuction are safer alternatives to removing earwax from your ear canal.
Is Ear Digging Bad for You?
Yes, ear digging can be harmful to your ears. While it may provide temporary relief from itchiness, inserting objects into the ear canal can irritate the delicate skin, push earwax deeper into the ear, or even damage the eardrum. In some cases, ear digging may lead to problems such as impacted earwax, ear infections, bleeding, dizziness, or hearing loss.
Myths About Ear Digging
Whether or not ear digging is harmful and should be avoided has been the subject of much debate over the years. Here are the 5 most common myths debunked by our audiologists!
Myth 1: Ear wax is a sign of poor personal hygiene
While it may seem like ear wax is gross, its presence is actually a sign that your ears are normal and healthy, rather than unclean.
Earwax, medically known as cerumen, serves several functions. For example, it naturally moisturises the skin inside your ear, preventing it from flaking due to dryness. More importantly, it traps microscopic debris such as dirt, dust and bacteria and stops them from reaching the deeper parts of the ear canal.
Depending on factors such as ethnicity, age, environment and diet, each individual may produce more or less earwax than others.
Myth 2: I should dig my ears to remove ear wax
This is false! As new skin grows in the deeper part of your ear canal, it migrates outward to push out old, dead skin. This also moves earwax out of the ear canal naturally, meaning that you don’t usually need to clean your ears to remove earwax.
However, this natural self-cleaning process may be less effective for those born with narrower ear canals, and they may experience a buildup of earwax. In such cases, it’s advisable to visit an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor for ear wax removal instead.
Myth 3: I should dig my ears when they itch
If you feel an itch in your ear, don’t dig it! This tends to occur due to the presence of loose earwax or some foreign objects, such as hair or cotton fluff, being trapped inside the ear canal. Even the ear’s process of self-cleaning may result in a perceived itch as the earwax is being pushed outwards.
When you encounter this situation, it’s recommended to avoid digging your ear as this action can cause more harm than good. Monitor the situation, and if the itch persists, see an ENT doctor.
Myth 4: I can dig my ears with my finger
Regardless of how much discomfort you face, don’t insert your fingers into your ears. Your fingers and fingernails are carriers of germs, and there’s a good chance they may cause an ear infection.
Myth 5: I can dig my ears with cotton buds or metal digger tools
Using cotton buds may appear to be the most hygienic way of cleaning your ears, but there’s a chance that the wax may be pushed even deeper into the ear canal. This can compromise your ear’s self-cleaning system as it may not be able to push all the wax out, leading to a blocked ear. Additionally, according to studies, itching and hearing loss were found to be more prevalent in those who use cotton buds to clean their ears¹.
On the other hand, metal digger tools can be dangerous. They may cause scratches on the sensitive skin of your ear canal and result in bleeding and infections. Other potential complications include injury and perforation of the eardrum.
What Are Some Complications of Ear Digging?
While ear digging can be satisfying and creates a feeling of cleanliness, it carries significant risks including ear injury, infections and hearing impairment.
Impacted ear wax
Earwax impaction refers to a blockage in the ear due to wax being stuck deep in the ear canal. This can become a precursor to more serious problems, such as ear infections and hearing loss.
Injury to the ear
Using ear-digging tools can hurt the delicate and sensitive eardrum. The risk of piercing and rupturing is also relatively high, and you may experience tinnitus if this happens. In fact, a study reported injury rates of up to 25% among individuals who used cotton buds to clear their ears².
Ear infections
Ear digging can compromise the external auditory canals’ natural resistance against bacteria and fungal infections. As a result, otitis externa, an ear infection that occurs between the eardrum and the outer ear, can develop.
Hearing Loss
In more serious cases, hearing loss can result from ear digging. This can manifest from a spectrum of causes, including damage to the ear’s internal structure or wax being pushed deep into the ear canal.
When Should I See A Doctor?
You should consider seeing a doctor if you experience persistent ear symptoms or notice changes in your hearing after digging your ears. While occasional mild irritation may resolve on its own, ongoing discomfort could indicate an underlying issue that requires professional attention.
Seek medical advice if you experience:
- Ear pain that does not improve or becomes worse
- Bleeding from the ear
- Ear discharge, including pus or fluid
- Sudden or worsening hearing loss
- Persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems
- A feeling of blockage or fullness that does not go away
- Signs of an ear infection, such as swelling, redness, or fever
Early assessment can help identify problems such as earwax impaction, ear infections, eardrum injuries, or other ear conditions before they become more serious. Book an appointment at any of our clinics today.
What Are Some Alternatives to Ear Digging?
Earwax can still accumulate despite all the care taken, and this may occur for a variety of reasons, from narrow ear canals to skin problems such as eczema. Regardless, it’s not recommended to resort to any of the methods above to remove it. Rather, try these alternatives to ear digging.
Over-the-counter ear drops
The purpose of these ear drops is to help soften the wax so that it can be discharged more easily. There are several different types of eardrops you can use, including ones containing
- docusate sodium,
- glycerol,
- hydrogen peroxide,
- sodium bicarbonate,
- mineral oil,
- olive oil, or
- almond oil
However, eardrops may not be suitable for individuals with specific skin types or conditions. For example, eardrops shouldn’t be used if you have a perforated eardrum (a hole or tear in your eardrum). If you’re unsure of whether eardrops are suitable for you, you’re advised to speak with your ENT doctor or audiologist before use.
Note!
You may feel like your hearing and/or symptoms worsen slightly just after using these eardrops, but not to worry, it tends to get better after a while.
Ear irrigation
The process starts with an examination of your ear canal. During this examination, the ENT doctor will insert an otoscope into your ear to get a clearer picture of your ear condition. After which, the doctor will determine if your symptoms are caused by excess earwax and not a more severe issue.
Once it has been determined that you can go ahead with the procedure, water or a saline mixture will be inserted into your ear canal via a syringe to flush out the wax. The procedure is painless, though you may feel some discomfort.
It’s important to note that ear irrigation may not be suitable for certain individuals, especially those who have undergone ear surgery or have a perforation of the eardrum. If you’re considering this procedure, do consult your ENT doctor to determine whether you’re a suitable candidate.
Microsuction
Similar to ear irrigation, the doctor will first examine your ear canal with an endoscope to find the blockage. This is a tool with a tiny camera and light.
For the microsuction procedure, the doctor will use a tiny vacuum to gently loosen the wax from your ear canal. You may feel some suction inside your ear and hear some crackling or squeaking during the first few minutes of the procedure. Once the wax has been loosened, your doctor will either remove it with the vacuum or a pair of forceps.
Microsuction is suitable for individuals who have had certain pre-existing ear conditions, such as:
- A ruptured eardrum
- A history of ear surgery
- Foreign matter in their ear
- Mild otitis externa (outer ear infection)
Tips to Prevent the Buildup of Earwax
Prevention is always better than a cure. Read on for some tips to prevent earwax from building up.
Wipe the outer ear
If you feel like you need to clean your ears in some way, you can gently wipe your outer ear with a damp cloth to get rid of any earwax. Alternatively, a damp cotton bud will also suffice, though you should take care not to insert it into the ear canal.
While cleaning the outer ear is safe, it shouldn’t be cleaned too often, as it can dry out the skin and cause irritation. It’s advisable to only wipe your outer ears every 2 to 4 weeks.
Keep your ears dry
Ear wax can expand upon contact with water, for example, after a shower or swim, and this may result in the ear canal becoming blocked. Thus, it’s important to develop the habit of drying your ears with a dry cloth after a swim or shower.
You can also consider wearing items such as a shower or swimming cap and waterproof earplugs when you’re swimming or showering to prevent water from getting into your ears.
FAQs About Ear Digging
Is ear digging safe?
No, ear digging is generally not recommended, especially if it involves inserting objects such as cotton buds, ear picks, or other tools into the ear canal. While it may seem harmless, digging into the ear can push earwax deeper, irritate the delicate skin of the ear canal, or even damage the eardrum.
The ear is usually able to clean itself naturally. If you’re experiencing discomfort, itchiness, or a sensation of blocked ears, it’s best to consult an ENT doctor who can safely assess and remove any excess earwax if necessary.
Why does digging my ear feel so good?
For many people, digging or cleaning the ear can create a satisfying sensation because the ear canal contains sensitive nerve endings. Stimulating these nerves may temporarily relieve itchiness, which is why you may feel tempted to dig your ears frequently.
However, repeated ear digging can irritate the skin inside the ear canal and may worsen the itchiness over time. If your ears are persistently itchy, it may be worth having them checked, as the underlying cause could be earwax build-up, dry skin, allergies, or an ear infection.
How often should I dig my ear?
While this may surprise you, it’s recommended to avoid digging your ear. Your ears have a natural self-cleaning mechanism that removes wax on its own.
However, some individuals may still experience a buildup of earwax due to various lifestyle and biological factors. If a wax buildup is manifesting as a more severe issue and needs to be cleared, it’s advisable to see a General Practitioner (GP) or ENT doctor.
Can digging my ear cause dizziness or vertigo?
Yes, in some cases, digging your ear can trigger dizziness or a brief sensation of vertigo. The ear plays an important role in maintaining balance, and excessive stimulation of the ear canal or accidental pressure against the eardrum can sometimes affect the balance system.
If you experience persistent dizziness, vertigo, nausea, or imbalance after digging your ears, it is advisable to seek medical attention. These symptoms may indicate irritation, injury, or an underlying ear condition that requires professional evaluation.
Can digging my ear cause an infection?
Yes, frequent or aggressive ear digging can increase the risk of ear infections. The skin lining the ear canal is thin and delicate, and scratching or injuring it can create small breaks that allow bacteria or fungi to enter and cause infection.
Signs of an ear infection may include:
- Ear pain or discomfort
- Itchiness in the ear canal
- Redness or swelling
- Ear discharge
- Reduced hearing
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
If you suspect an ear infection, it is important to seek professional advice. Early treatment can help prevent complications and support a faster recovery.
Noor Atikah Atan is a Clinical Audiologist at Hearing Partners. She has a Bachelor of Audiology with Honours from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and is registered under the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council MAHPC(AUD)00512. She seeks to make a difference in the lives of her clients by helping them improve their hearing and communication.