Suspect you have earwax build-up? Don’t reach for that cotton bud – it could do more harm than good
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Though it can be tempting to clean your ears with a cotton swab, ears are designed to be self-clearing and are best left alone. So what’s the best plan of action if you are concerned about excess ear wax? Consultant ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon Professor Peter Walshe shares his advice
Your inner ears are best left alone. If you do have a build-up of ear wax, see your GP or a specialist. Photo: Getty Images
Have you noticed that your ears are feeling excessively waxy lately? With an estimated 2.3 million people per year requiring earwax removal in the UK alone, it is clear that earwax build-up is more prevalent than some might think.
While earwax is generally self-clearing, any disruptions to its natural movement can result in troublesome blockages, especially among older adults and people using hearing aids. Even young people, who have the habit of wearing earbud headphones for extended periods each day, are more likely to experience difficulties with excessive earwax.
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