Before understanding the risks of ear-picking habits, we need to understand the function of earwax or cerumen. Cerumen is not something that needs to be cleaned routinely. Instead, earwax is produced by glands in the ear canal as a natural protection against dust, foreign particles, and microorganisms. In addition, cerumen also maintains ear moisture and prevents irritation.
The body naturally has its own ear cleaning mechanism. When we talk, chew, or move our jaws, earwax is slowly pushed out of the ear canal.
The Dangers of Ear Picking Habits
Although it may seem trivial, cleaning your ears with cotton buds, tweezers, or other tools can cause several risks, including:
- Pushing Earwax Deeper
Ear digging often does not remove earwax, but instead pushes it deeper. This can cause a blockage of wax (earwax impaction) which triggers symptoms such as:
- Hearing disorders
- Fullness in the ear
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
If a blockage occurs, action by an ENT doctor is usually required to clear it safely.
- Ear Canal Injury
The ear canal is very sensitive, so using cotton buds can injure the inside. Small scratches in the ear canal can be an entry point for bacteria that cause an outer ear infection (otitis externa), which is characterized by pain, swelling, and discharge from the ear.
In more severe cases, cotton buds can touch or even injure the eardrum, causing permanent hearing loss.
- Eardrum Perforation
Another dangerous risk is a ruptured eardrum (perforation). A ruptured eardrum can cause pain, hearing loss, and middle ear infection (otitis media). In some cases, a ruptured eardrum requires surgery to repair it.
Ear Picking Infection
The habit of picking your ears can also trigger infections. Wounds in the ear canal provide a way for bacteria to enter and cause infection. Signs of infection include:
- Sharp pain in the ear
- Swelling around the ear
- Fluid coming out of the ear
- Fever
If left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas around the ear, causing more serious complications.
Safe Ways to Care for Your Ears
How to clean your ears properly and safely? Here are some medical suggestions:
- Let Your Ears Clean Themselves: In general, there is no need to clean the inside of your ears. Your body will naturally expel earwax.
- Clean the Outside Only: Use a soft cloth or tissue to clean the outside of the ear, without inserting the instrument into the ear canal.
- Consult a Doctor: If you feel there is a problem with your ears, such as blockage or hearing loss, you should visit an ENT specialist for safe action.
Conclusion
Although ear picking may seem harmless, this habit actually risks causing various problems, ranging from earwax blockages to serious injuries to the ear canal and eardrum. As a best step, let the ears do their natural cleaning process. If there is a problem, consult a doctor to get safe and appropriate treatment.
Ear health is very important, so avoid the habit of picking your ears and choose safer treatment methods to protect your hearing!
Article written by dr. Joy Firman Lumban Tobing, Sp.THT-KL (Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck Specialist, EMC Cibitung Hospital).