Keeping your ears clean is important, but doing it the wrong way can cause more harm than good. Earwax actually protects the ear canal by trapping dust and bacteria, so it doesn’t always need to be removed. Problems start when wax builds up too much and affects hearing or causes discomfort.
For safe ear cleaning, avoid cotton swabs deep inside the ear — they often push wax further in. Instead, gentle rinsing with warm water, wax-softening drops, or professional cleaning are safer options. If you experience pain, ringing, or hearing loss, it’s best to see a healthcare professional rather than trying to fix it yourself.
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