Top 10 Questions About Earwax

10. Why Should I Avoid Cotton Swabs?

One of the leading causes of blockage or impaction is the use of cotton swabs. While a person may think they are cleaning their ears, they are actually pushing the earwax further down the ear canal toward the ear drum. The ear is naturally shaped like a cone and the wax should stay in the outer third of the ear. This prohibits dust and particles from traveling down the canal where they could do serious damage. Avoid cotton swabs to avoid pushing earwax and other particles further down to the more sensitive areas of the ear. It is also possible to rupture your eardrum with a vigorous swabbing.

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