Health
AN audiologist, Akanchawa Emmanuel, has cautioned Nigerians against using cotton buds and other unsafe ear-cleaning methods, warning that such practices can cause infections, ear injuries and permanent hearing loss among users nationwide.
She gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Benin, advising the public to avoid inserting objects into the ear canal or attempting internal cleaning.
According to her, earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the outer ear canal and serves protective functions by trapping dust, lubricating tissues and preventing infections.
She explained that the ear was self-cleaning and did not require internal cleaning, adding that earwax type was genetically determined, with wet cerumen common among Africans and Europeans worldwide.
Akanchawa warned that inserting objects such as cotton buds into the ear canal often pushed wax deeper, causing blockage, hearing reduction, pain, dizziness and, in severe cases, eardrum perforation and complications.
She added that improper ear-cleaning practices might irritate the ear canal and disrupt its natural protective balance, thereby increasing vulnerability to infections and other avoidable ear health complications.
The audiologist further cautioned that ear discharge should not be mistaken for earwax, noting that unusual fluid from the ear might indicate infection or a perforated eardrum requiring evaluation.
She advised against using hydrogen peroxide, water or other home remedies for ear cleaning, emphasising that wax removal, when necessary, should only be performed by trained audiologists safely.
Akanchawa said routine ear care should be limited to cleaning the outer ear with a clean, damp cloth, while mild itching can be relieved by gently pressing the tragus.
She urged anyone experiencing persistent ear pain, hearing loss, itching or blockage to seek prompt attention at an Ear, Nose and Throat clinic instead of self-treatment.
A resident, Mrs Helen Edegbe, said she cleaned her ears daily after bathing with cotton buds, explaining that she was doing so to remove wax and maintain personal cleanliness.
A student, Mr Esosa Eloghosa, said he used cotton buds and occasionally water or hydrogen peroxide to relieve ear discomfort and blocked sensations, especially after bathing or swimming.
He added that the practice provided temporary relief from itching and remained common among many of his peers, in spite of growing awareness about the potential health risks involved.
He said many people preferred self-treatment and only visited Ear, Nose and Throat specialists when symptoms became severe, persistent or began interfering with their daily activities.(NAN)
A.I
July 3, 2026
Tags: Akanchawa Emmanuel Mr Esosa Eloghosa Mrs Helen Edegbe