Why does my throat feel uncomfortable when I am trying to clear my earwax in my ear?

Doctor's Answers 1

Thank you for your question.

For a start, you should not be clearing your ear canal with a cotton bud or ear pick as this may result in the earwax being pushed deeper into the canal or may result in an injury to the ear canal or eardrum. The nerve supply of the ear is connected to the nerve supply of the throat region. Hence, stimulation of the nerve supplying the ear canal can result in stimulation of the nerve supplying the throat region, resulting in discomfort, itchiness, or pain.

Earwax is secreted by the outer part of your ear canal and contrary to popular belief, it is good to have some earwax in your ears. They help keep your ears moisturised, trap dirt and bacteria, and contains good bacteria that keeps the ear healthy. Earwax produced by your ear canal does get pushed out on its own as your ear canal skin sheds. Hence, it is a self-cleansing structure and no cleaning is required. If you do have problems with earwax buildup resulting in hearing loss or itchiness, it is best to get ear softeners after consulting a doctor. If this fails to clear it, I would suggest that you see a GP who is equipped with the necessary tools or an ENT Specialist to remove the earwax for you safely.

Hope this helps and all the best!

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Human

Why is digging my earwax using cotton buds bad for my ears?

The ear canal is a self-cleansing structure - that's right - you don't need to clean your ear canals! Earwax and dead skin are constantly moved outwards on its own, away from the eardrum. This is aided by jaw movements (e. g. when you talk or eat), which helps dislodge the wax. Having some earwax is actually good for you as it contains good bacteria and does protect your ear from dirt and bacteria. Hence, do not be obsessed about having to clean your ears out! The cotton bud is designed to clean the outer part of the ear and not for you to insert it into your ear canal.

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Answered By

Dr Eng Cern Gan

ENT Doctor

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