An estimated 12,500 U.S. children are injured every year after cleaning mishaps with cotton swabs, a recent
study suggests.
In the study, most of the injuries occurred while using cotton swabs to clean the ears; while the rest occurred while playing with cotton swabs or with children falling when they had cotton swabs in their ear.
According to researchers, "The ears canals are usually self-cleaning.
Using cotton tip applicators to clean the ear canal not only pushes wax closer to the ear drum, but there is a significant risk of causing minor to severe injury to the ear."
Damage to the ear drum, hearing bones or inner ear can result in dizziness, balance problems and irreversible hearing loss.
To reduce the likelihood of injury, parents should
- Clean only the outside of a child's ears and use a washcloth whenever possible
- Only use warm olive oil or mineral oil to soften any hard earwax.
- See a doctor about anything abnormal such as blood, oozing, pain or changes in hearing.
Click here for more information on how to clean your child's ears.
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