We've all been there, reaching for a cotton bud to give our ears a quick clean. But according to ITV's Dr Amir Khan, we should be avoiding this seemingly harmless habit. In a frank Instagram video, the doctor revealed that he never uses cotton buds to clean his ears due to the potential health risks they pose.
"Honestly the number of perforated ear drums I've seen, and the number of broken cotton bud tips I've had to fish out of my patients ears - it's not worth it! " he wrote. "Cotton bud sticks are not for your ears and they're terrible for the environment. I know it might feel satisfying, but you could be doing more harm than good!".
Dr Amir also highlighted the crucial role earwax plays in maintaining our ear health. It keeps our ears "bacteria free" and ensures they function properly. He reassured us that our ears naturally manage wax levels, so there's no need to try and remove it unless it's causing an obstruction or blockage.
If earwax does need a little help to shift, Dr Khan recommended using olive oil drops. In extreme cases, the assistance of a healthcare professional may be required to remove the wax. The video he shared has since gone viral with more than 4,000 views, sparking a flurry of comments from viewers expressing their surprise and sharing their own ear-cleaning practices.
