Are You Cleaning Your Ears Wrong? Doctor Reveals Common Mistakes

Ear cleaning is often regarded as a bad idea, because of its self-cleaning mechanism. The ear is a delicate organ, which makes manual intervention unnecessary and frequently harmful to the ear, like blockage, internal bleeding and much more, making ear cleaning one of the most common and most misunderstood daily hygiene habits. So, should we never clean our ears? The daily Jagran turned to an expert.

Ear Cleaning Tips (Image Credit: Canva)

Dr Shilpi Budhiraja, Senior Consultant, ENT and Head and Neck Specialist, Marengo Asia Hospitals, addressed, “As an ENT specialist, I frequently see patients who come in with ear pain, blockages, or infections caused not by disease, but by misguided cleaning practices.” Doctor lists down common ear cleaning mistakes:

List Of Common Ear Cleaning Mistakes Doctors Wish You’d Stop Making:

1. Inserting Cotton Buds, Hairpins And Matchsticks Into Ears

One of the biggest mistakes people make is inserting cotton buds, hairpins, or even matchsticks into their ears. While the intention is to 'clean,' these objects actually push earwax deeper, compacting it against the eardrum and sometimes causing scratches or perforations. The long-term consequences can include hearing loss, tinnitus, and persistent infections.

ALSO READ: Doctor Says This Common Habit Is Leading To Permanent Hearing Damage; Know Symptoms, Risks And How Earphone Use Causes Damage

2. Modern Ear Cleaning Instruments And Camera Devices

Another modern menace is the growing number of ear-cleaning instruments and camera devices sold online. They promise “deep cleaning” or “earwax removal in seconds,” but what they really offer is risk. Without proper visualisation and technique, you can easily injure delicate ear canal skin or the eardrum itself.

Do Not Inserser Anything In Your Ears (Image Credit: Canva) 

3. Irrigation Kits

Even irrigation kits, if used incorrectly, can trap moisture and set the stage for fungal infections. What many don’t realise is that earwax is not dirt—it’s natural protection. It traps dust and microbes, maintains pH balance, and gradually moves outward on its own.

Best Way To Clean Your Ears:

ENT Doctor cautiously suggested the best way to clean your ears and things to keep in mind:

- For most people, wiping the outer ear with a soft, damp cloth is all that’s required.

- If you feel blocked or experience itching or decreased hearing, visit an ENT specialist for safe removal under supervision and magnification.

ALSO READ: Seizures Or Fainting? Doctor Explains Crucial Differences And When To Seek Help

Lastly, it is important to know that your ears don’t need scrubbing; all they need is protection and care. Also, make sure to remind yourself, before you reach for that cotton bud or sharp tool, that the safest ear is the one you leave alone.