The doctor pointed out the main reason for the formation of sulfur plugs – toothpicks will not help, they will only harm

Otolaryngologist Vigilija Kuprienė, a doctor at the Center for Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases (LOR) of the Vilnius Cardiolithology Clinic, explains to the media in a statement the possible consequences of the use of “ear swabs” , why they should be abandoned and how to take care of the hygiene of your ears.

According to V. Kuprienė, the ears do not require special care: it is not necessary to scrub them, wash them with soap or even direct them towards the ears with the stream of water that flows from the shower head.

According to her, the anatomy of the ears determined that they clean themselves, when moving the jaw, that is, when talking, laughing or eating. Therefore, additional measures, such as cotton swabs, are not only unnecessary, but often harmful.

“Ensuring the best possible hygiene for our ears requires the least possible contribution from our own contribution, as problems often arise from people’s ignorance. As the external ear canals narrow up and then lower, trying to “clean” them with cotton swabs, we push the sulfur that comes out of the ear back a little, and the same happens with headphones that penetrate deep into the ear . Well, their maintenance, as well as the use of toothpicks themselves, can cause a lot of problems, ”says the doctor from the Vilnius LOR Center.

The consequences range from sulfur plugs to perforated drums

The doctor emphasizes that first, by pushing the sulfur into the ear, we run the risk of forming a sulfur plug. Frequent cleaning of the ears can also cause dehydration and itchiness.

The interlocutor points out that she has to deal with cases where a piece of cotton is left in her ear when using hygienic forceps, which can lead to an inflammation of the external auditory canal. There are also cases where people pierce the eardrum due to careless movement due to careless movement.

“Sulfur jams tend to form spontaneously for the elderly, as well as for those who work in dusty or hot environments. It is rare for people to have a very narrow ear canal from birth, which contributes to the formation of blockages.

For younger or middle-aged people, they are formed due to the excessive use of cotton swabs, and for children, this problem is usually caused by excessive parental care, ”says V. Kuprienė.

If you have any problems, be sure to see a doctor.

According to the specialist, the first symptom of sulfur blockages is hearing impairment. Occasionally, there may be a murmur, a tingling sensation, or an audible throbbing in the ears. If inflammation of the outer ear has started, the ears may feel pain.

“Most importantly, if you feel your hearing has deteriorated or your ears hurt, don’t be afraid to see a doctor, you shouldn’t suffer. It is not recommended to remove the sulfur plug yourself; result will not be as expected.

Also, dropping several medications or preparations can sometimes make the situation worse, so if the pain is severe, take your medication and go to a professional, ”says the doctor.

The cotton swab exemption is a service to you and the environment.

V. Kuprienė points out that the best alternative to cotton swabs is natural ear cleaning: “It is understandable that when washing your head in the shower or bath, water gets into your ears, so it is enough to gently clean the ear. wet outer ear canal with finger. When you’re done washing, wipe your ears and the inside with a towel. That’s it: that ear care is usually enough for everyone. “

According to the specialist at the LOR center, if you have been cleaning your ears with earplugs for the rest of your life and have now decided to change your habits, you may feel some discomfort at first, but she assures you that this is the choice right.

“Itching may occur, but it will not be severe and will go away in a few days. However, if the itching does not go away and worsens after 7 to 10 days, see your doctor, as it may be a fungal or bacterial ear inflammation In any case, by taking good care of your ears, you will not only reduce the risk of various problems, but you will also contribute to the protection of our environment, because plastic cotton swabs do not decompose for a long time and they pollute nature. ” says the doctor.