Though many are hesitant to discuss the subject, earwax is a normal part of life. In fact, it’s essential to our overall well-being. Earwax, known in the medical world as cerumen, promotes ear health by protecting the body from infection.
Should You Use Cotton Swabs to Clean Your Ears?
In a word: no. Your ear canals largely clean themselves, in part through chewing, yawning, and other motions of the jaw. In other words, cleaning your ears with cotton swabs or other objects can do more harm than good, as they can cause ear canal blockage or dry, itchy, and infection prone ears. Other “ear cleaning” methods, like ear candles, are not recommended, as they can cause burns, ear perforations between the ear canal and middle ear, and other ear injuries.