Is it dangerous to use fingers to clean the ears?

Dec 02, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Xu Gang

Introduction

It is usually dangerous to clean the ears with fingers. Fingers carry many bacteria, which may repeatedly irritate the ear canal's mucous membrane and cause swelling. Excessive force may break the skin inside the ear canal, damaging the natural antibacterial barrier, allowing bacterial invasion and leading to exudate that could affect hearing. Additionally, inserting fingers too deeply may touch the eardrum, potentially causing perforation and resulting in discomfort.

It is generally dangerous to use fingers to clean the ears, and it is recommended not to do so.

Fingers carry many bacteria. Repeatedly poking the ear canal may repeatedly irritate the ear canal's mucous membrane, leading to swelling. Excessive force may even break the skin inside the ear canal. Once the skin is damaged, the natural antibacterial barrier can be compromised, making it easier for bacterial infections to occur and produce exudate. When this exudate blocks the ear canal, hearing may be affected. Additionally, inserting fingers too deeply into the ear may touch the eardrum, potentially causing perforation and resulting in various uncomfortable symptoms such as ear pain, tinnitus, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and hearing loss.

It is recommended that individuals maintain regular physical exercise in daily life to strengthen their immune system, wash hands frequently, and avoid using fingers to clean the ears regularly. If itching, pain, or hearing loss occurs after using fingers to clean the ears, it is advisable to seek timely medical evaluation for further examination, identify the exact cause, and receive appropriate treatment accordingly.

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What are the precautions for cleaning ears?

Precautions for ear cleaning include using proper tools, avoiding excessive ear picking, applying gentle force, and not inserting objects too deeply. In addition, one should avoid cleaning wet ears and ensure that tools are properly disinfected. If symptoms such as ear pain or earwax blockage occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Using sharp objects such as wooden sticks or toothpicks to clean the ears may damage the skin of the ear canal or the eardrum.

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Can cleaning the ears cause otitis media?

Generally, cleaning the ears regularly will not cause otitis media if done properly—with appropriate technique, gentle pressure, and in dry ear canals. However, excessive force, damage to the ear canal, or using unclean tools may increase the risk of developing otitis media. When cleaning the ears, avoid applying too much force to prevent injury to the ear canal's mucous membrane. If otitis media occurs, prompt medical attention and proper treatment are necessary.

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Does bleeding after cleaning the ears mean the eardrum is ruptured?

The skin of the external auditory canal is relatively thin. Excessive force during ear cleaning or external impact can easily perforate the eardrum, causing bleeding. Because the external auditory canal is deep and narrow, with blood vessels and nerves attached to its walls, improper manipulation during ear cleaning may injure the skin of the canal wall, leading to bleeding as well.

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What should I do if my ears often feel itchy and I feel the need to clean them frequently?

The symptom of frequently cleaning the ears due to itching when not doing so may be caused by physiological or pathological factors. Patients should identify the exact cause and then adopt appropriate measures for improvement or treatment. Common causes include external ear eczema, otitis media, etc. Affected individuals usually do not require specific medical treatment and can redirect their attention through increased participation in group activities, outdoor physical exercise, and active communication.