The Do’s and Don’ts of Ear Cleaning, According to an ENT Specialist
It is one of the most common habits people don’t think twice about using a cotton bud after a shower, or using an ear pick when things feel a little blocked. But according to Dr. Ker Liang, ENT surgeon at Aglow ENT Centre, the way most of us clean our ears could be causing more harm than good. In a recent radio segment, he walked listeners through what is safe, what is not, and when it is time to see a specialist.
Don’t use cotton buds or ear picks inside the canal
The single most important takeaway from Dr. Ker Liang’s advice is that anything that goes deep into the ear canal carries risk. Cotton buds, metal ear picks, and similar tools tend to push wax further inward rather than removing it, and can scratch or irritate the delicate canal lining in the process. In more serious cases, digging too aggressively can rupture the eardrum. It is a serious outcome, but one that is entirely preventable.
The consequences of improper cleaning can range from tinnitus and hearing loss to a full perforation of the eardrum. “Don’t dig your ears carelessly,” Dr. Ker Liang says plainly.
Do use your finger — but only up to a point
Using a finger is actually safer than most tools, because there is a natural limit to how far it can reach. Dr. Ker Liang’s rule of thumb: Using the little finger is generally considered safe, as it can only reach so far into the canal on its own. That natural limit is roughly the boundary you should not go beyond with anything else.
For babies and young children, the same principle applies. Parents can gently clean the visible outer part of the ear, but should not insert anything into the canal itself.
Don’t ignore the signs of infection
Improper cleaning is one of the most common triggers for outer ear infections. Dr. Ker Liang describes the warning signs to watch for: a watery sensation in the ear, discharge that smells unpleasant or feels sticky, pain inside the canal, and in more advanced cases, traces of blood or noticeably reduced hearing.
If these symptoms appear, the right response is to see a doctor, not to attempt further cleaning at home, which can aggravate the situation. Antibiotic ear drops are the standard treatment, but Dr. Ker Liang cautions against using leftover prescriptions without medical review. Antibiotic drops should only be used when infection is confirmed, and relying on them repeatedly without guidance risks antibiotic resistance over time.
Don’t ignore repeated infections
A single ear infection, properly treated, typically resolves without lasting effects. But for those who experience infections repeatedly, there is a longer-term risk worth knowing about. Ongoing inflammation can cause the ear canal to gradually narrow, making it progressively harder for sound to pass through. This is why some patients find their hearing slowly declining even without any obvious injury. The canal itself has been quietly closing in over time.
Do see an ENT specialist for significant wax buildup
When earwax accumulates to the point of causing discomfort or hearing difficulty, the safest solution is professional removal. At ENT clinics, this is done using gentle suction under direct camera visualisation of the canal.
The older technique of water irrigation, where fluid is flushed into the canal, carries a small but real risk of rupturing the eardrum. For this reason, suction has become the preferred approach in modern clinical practice.
Listener Questions, Answered
For those who sleep with in-ear earplugs, persistent itchiness may be a sign that the plugs are sealing too tightly and preventing airflow. Switching to a larger supra-aural style that sits outside the canal, rather than inside it, can help.
Frequent swimmers should also be aware that chlorinated pool water is alkaline and can neutralise the mild acidity of the ear canal’s natural secretions, which normally help keep bacteria at bay. This is one reason why outer ear infections are more common among regular swimmers, and why keeping the ears as dry as possible after a session matters.
Finally, if you have ever noticed the urge to cough while having your ears cleaned, that is not a coincidence. The ear canal and the throat share the same nerve supply, which is why stimulation in one area can produce a sensation in the other. It also means that ear pain sometimes radiates toward the jaw, and throat discomfort can occasionally be felt in the ear.
The bottom line
The ear canal is largely self-cleaning and does not need or benefit from regular intervention with tools or implements. When wax builds up and causes a genuine problem, a visit to an ENT clinic is far safer than attempting to resolve it at home. The few minutes it takes is well worth avoiding a complication that could affect your hearing for much longer.
Dr. Ker Liang is an ENT surgeon at Aglow ENT Centre. If you have concerns about your ear health, consult an ENT specialist for a proper assessment.
