Audiologists have warned TikTok users against following potentially dangerous ear-cleaning advice as it could damage hearing or cause infection.
Worrying videos have emerged with some telling viewers to use olive oil, small tools or even chemicals to rid their ears of wax.
But experts have advised people not to copy what they see in these videos – not least because it’s largely unnecessary.
As reported by the Independent, clinical audiologist Christina Kourie said the ears are self-cleaning and in most cases, the wax will drain on its own: “Wax will naturally work its way out of the ear canal, which can then be cleaned away.
“But there’s a trend on TikTok that involves people cleaning their ears at home via various methods, and several social media users have posted videos of themselves emptying their ears of wax using hydrogen peroxide, a chemical typically used in common household cleaning products.
“But it’s essential to approach this trend with caution as there are significant risks with putting this chemical in your ear and attempting to remove the wax with limited vision of the ear canal itself.”
Potential Complications
As pointed out by the experts, in most cases wax will find its way out of your ear on its own. By trying to remove it yourself, you may create a number of issues:
Blockage:
Firstly, prodding and poking wax in the ear can cause blockages. If wax blocks the ear canal, sound waves struggle to reach the eardrum, resulting in temporary hearing loss.
You may also experience pain due to the accumulation of wax. As ear wax builds up and exerts pressure on the ear canal, it can lead to pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear and even intense earaches, which can become excruciating.
Damage To Ears
Messing around with your ears might seem harmless, but it can lead to some serious problems such as damage to your eardrum.
Your eardrum is a thin membrane that helps you hear, but it’s delicate and can easily be injured. Using sharp objects or pushing things too far into your ear can cause tears or punctures in the eardrum, leading to extreme pain and possibly even hearing loss.
Infection
Our ears are delicate, and poking around with sharp objects or pushing cotton buds too far can irritate the skin and even damage the ear canal.
Plus, adding chemicals into your ear can upset its natural balance, which can also lead to infections. So, next time you’re tempted to tackle that ear wax, remember to be gentle and leave it to the experts if you’re unsure. Your ears will thank you for it!
Professional Removal
As pointed out already, not everyone will need their ear wax removed. However, in some cases, you may experience a build-up which requires attention. But while it may be tempting to do this yourself, it’s always best to leave it to the professionals.
Ear syringing, or ear irrigation, is a safe and effective procedure that’s performed by healthcare experts such as ourselves. For this process, we send a gentle stream of warm water into the ear canal using a specialised syringe, which helps to soften the wax and flush it out.
Choosing to get ears syringed by a competent and qualified professional provides a timely and effective solution to hardened ear wax. By taking a proactive approach, you can help restore clear hearing, relieve pain and discomfort and reduce the risk of complications like infections.
Here at Newdays, we’re a dedicated ear wax removal pharmacy, so we offer a range of private and NHS services. You can find out more about us online and book an appointment with one of our pharmacists.
If you’d like to find out more about our ear wax syringing, get in touch with us today as we’d be more than happy to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most viral ear wax removal hacks are not recommended by healthcare professionals. Using cotton buds, ear candles, hairpins or other objects can push wax deeper into the ear canal, damage the skin or even perforate the eardrum. Always seek professional advice if ear wax is causing symptoms.
In many cases, ear wax softening drops are the first recommended treatment. If the wax does not clear naturally, a healthcare professional may recommend microsuction or irrigation where appropriate. Avoid inserting anything into your ears, as this can make the blockage worse.
Seek professional advice if you experience hearing loss, ear pain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness, discharge or repeated ear wax build-up. A pharmacist or healthcare professional can assess your symptoms and recommend the most suitable treatment.