Dr. Craig Kasper, an audiologist with more than 25 years of experience, warns that inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal usually pushes wax deeper and can puncture the eardrum, causing painful conductive hearing loss. The ear naturally expels wax as the skin migrates outward, and routine rinsing in the shower or using a soapy fingertip is sufficient for most people. Use occasional drops of a softening solution for stubborn wax, but avoid overcleaning and never insert objects like cotton swabs, bobby pins, or pen caps. See a professional if you have excessive buildup, pain, or hearing changes.
Stop Putting Q‑Tips in Your Ears — An Audiologist Explains the Risks and Safe Alternatives
Dr. Craig Kasper, an audiologist with more than 25 years of experience, warns that inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal usually pushes wax deeper and can puncture the eardrum, causing painful conductive hearing loss. The ear naturally expels wax as the skin migrates outward, and routine rinsing in the shower or using a soapy fingertip is sufficient for most people. Use occasional drops of a softening solution for stubborn wax, but avoid overcleaning and never insert objects like cotton swabs, bobby pins, or pen caps. See a professional if you have excessive buildup, pain, or hearing changes.
04:26 AM, 11/14/2025Health
Why you should stop using Q‑tips in your ears
Many people use cotton swabs to tidy their ears, but audiologist Dr. Craig Kasper warns this common habit can do more harm than good. Kasper, founder and managing director of New York Hearing Doctors and an audiologist with more than 25 years of experience, told HuffPost that inserting a swab into the ear canal typically pushes wax deeper and can even cause painful injuries.
I have seen horrible things happen when people put Q‑tips in their ears and then move around — the swab can shift and puncture the eardrum, producing a painful conductive hearing loss,
How earwax normally works
The ear canal is lined with skin and contains small glands that produce earwax. As the skin naturally flakes and migrates outward, it carries wax with it. Everyday activities such as showering generally help rinse this material away, so most people do not need to insert anything into the canal to clean their ears.
When cotton swabs cause problems
Cotton swabs are about the same diameter as the ear canal. Pushing a swab inside tends to shove wax farther in, which can lead to impacted wax, trapped debris, infection, or a torn eardrum. Mixing routine motion (for example, brushing teeth) with a swab in the ear increases the risk that the swab will move and puncture the eardrum.
Safe ear‑care recommendations
- For routine hygiene, simply rinsing your ear in the shower or gently using a soapy fingertip while shampooing is usually sufficient.
- If wax seems stubborn, try a few drops of a softening solution (mineral oil, baby oil, or hydrogen peroxide diluted per product instructions) to loosen the wax — but do not overuse these treatments.
- Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal, including cotton swabs, bobby pins, pen caps, or other tools.
- Be cautious with over‑the‑counter irrigation kits; follow instructions carefully and stop if you experience pain, dizziness, or worsening hearing.
- If you produce excessive wax, have very hairy ear canals, or notice reduced hearing, pain, or drainage, see a hearing professional or clinician for safe removal.
When to see a professional
If self-care does not help, or if you have symptoms such as ear pain, persistent itching, decreased hearing, ringing, or discharge, consult an audiologist or ENT. Professionals can safely remove wax with tools or suction and can evaluate for other conditions.
Bottom line: Avoid putting cotton swabs into the ear canal. Let natural migration and gentle rinsing handle routine cleaning, use softening drops occasionally if needed, and seek professional care for persistent or problematic buildup.