08/09/2026
Why can cotton buds make earwax worse? 👂
Many people use cotton buds because they believe they are cleaning their ears.
However, inserting a cotton bud into the ear canal can actually push wax further inside. This can lead to wax becoming more compacted and harder to remove.
The ear canal has its own natural cleaning mechanism, gradually moving wax towards the entrance of the ear. Putting objects into the ear can interfere with that process.
If earwax is causing problems, the safest approach is to have the ear properly assessed rather than trying to remove it yourself.
Save this post to remind yourself why cotton buds may not be the best choice for ear care.
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