Cotton buds, also known as cotton swabs or Q-tips, are a common household item that many people use to clean their ears, apply makeup, or remove small amounts of dirt or debris from hard-to-reach places. However, using cotton buds to clean your ears can be harmful and is not recommended by medical professionals. When you insert a cotton bud into your ear canal, it can push earwax further inside, causing a blockage or impaction. This can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or even damage to the eardrum. In addition, if you accidentally push the cotton bud too far, you can damage delicate structures in the ear, such as the cochlea, which can lead to permanent hearing loss.
