Forget Q-Tips — Here’s How You Should Be Cleaning Your Ears

NYU Otologist Erich Voigt explains the proper way to clean wax out of your ears. Many people think Q-tips can help keep ears clean, but this isn't the case. Learn how Q-tips are making things worse and how you should actually be cleaning your ears.

------------------------------------------------------

#Ears #QTips #BusinessInsider

Business Insider tells you all you need to know about business, finance, tech, retail, and more.

Forget Q-Tips — Here’s How You Should Be Cleaning Your Ears

[Karadjordje]

His facial expression is just brilliant, like he is restraining himself from saying how people who use q tips are peasants.

[TitanDraugen]

I remember when I was a kid, a doctor just jabbed a qtip in my ear canal. It was so painful I cried for like an hour and my parents and doctor thought I was just overreacting.

[ggaggagga]

I've used them to clean out wax, for years. Never had a problem. I always use them after a shower, when I've already gotten the inner ear area wet. I very carefully slide the Q-Tip WHILE GENTLY ROTATING IT. It works like a charm and I've never had a doc mention any ear wax build up.

[chrisnaden]

This is a great video. I remember having wax clogged in my ear and I had to go ahead and see the ear doctor. When I got that earwax out, I had super hearing for a day. I could hear a pin drop and felt like I was spiderman or some superhero. I swear.

[nicolefantastic]

This made me want to go clean my ears with q tips right now.

[stoopid]

Don’t tell me what to do. I like having eargasms

[Denverian]

don't just stab in back and forth to push things inward. Make sure the tip is slight damp, best after shower & excess water drainrd from the ear, slowly/lightly put in the q tip as deep as you wish to clean and gently push the tip toward the wall of canal, rotate it along the wall as you slowly pull out the q tip. Spin the q tip if you want extra grab on the way out. Don't ever put back in the used side.

[unknowncreature-]

That'd be great if seeing a medical professional didn't cost 2000$ more than q-tips

[blve-rverie]

Everyone: Don’t tell me what to do

Everyone 1 year later: *deaf*

[zillarex]

Ear doctors: dont put Q tips in your ears
Q tip box label's: dont put these in your ear

The entire planet: *BLASPHEMY*

[doggydoggywho]

I learnt this the hard way. I had pushed so much wax back that my entire left ear was clogged.

I went to the doctor and they gave me a drop to put it in my ears for two days before getting it cleaned.

I went after two days and the doctor said that because there was so much clogging the drop hadn't even softened the upper layer.

So I said well let me come back a couple of days later and the doctor was like, "We don't do that here."

Mf pulled out his scissors, told my dad to restrain me and in 3-4 painful exorcisms freed me from deafness.

On the tissue paper was the biggest chunk ever pulled ever I think. I couldn't believe I was carrying that in my ear.

[jasonmagel]

"I never put it in the whole inch,
just the tip."

Said no man ever

[wordsearch]

As long as it gets rid of the itch in my ear.... Im still using it

[gemini_]

"you really need a medical professional to get it out for you" I'm american. I can't afford that. I got a coat hanger and a lighter. i'll figure something out.

[bigbotno]

I've used q-tips for cleaning my ears for years (1x 1-2 weeks), never had any problems. The warning on the package is so they don't get sued if you ask me. If you clean your ears with a q-tip you scrape out the wax or just stick it to the q-tip by tipping the wax. When going in to your ear of course you don't touch the wall of your inner ear, that way you will push the wax in to your ear. And don't go too deep. I never clean my ears after showering, but on other times. Sometimes in the morning after waking up, when the wax is a bit softer/stickier.

[aellyn]

For everyone skeptical out there, yes, I’ve used Q-tips my whole life, and yes, I had problems. I had to go see a medical professional to remove my wax because of q-tips, and I swear being deaf of both ears for 3 weeks because of wax stuck in your ears sucks. Really.

[gorgeouscat]

don't get me wrong, q tips gave me feelings i never know i can feel

[camscdan]

Yes its not good to put a Q-tip in your ear, but lets be honest here. After a nice shower those bad boys are great for drying your ears..

[ChestersonJack]

I have eczema that affects in insides of my ears, also I have sensory issues which I rememdy with earplugs, so I have to clean my ears often of wax, dried skin, and the moisturizer I use specially for my ears. I have a special hook-like device with a camera that allows me to see what I’m doing so I can clean my ears at home. The brand I use is called Spade, but I know there are others out there. It is very helpful.

[skyhe]

But why does it feel so good ☠️ I can’t be the only one