Do you like using swabs?

United States
April 3, 2008 3:24pm CST
I know many doctors say it is bad for your ears, but do you use cotton swabs/Q-tips to clean them? I do. I clean them everyday with swabs, usually after my shower. I simply cannot stand having water or wax in my ears!
2 people like this
9 responses
@dawnald (85130)
• Shingle Springs, California
3 Apr 08
I do use them every time I shower. Slightly funny story though... My brother was using one, got distracted, forgot one was in his ear. Went outside to get something and somehow punched it through his eardrum. He lost some hearing in that ear. So they really can be dangerous if you aren't careful!
1 person likes this
• United States
3 Apr 08
OUCH -- that sounds painful! There have been a few times I think I pushed the swab in a little too far, but I have never done any permanent damage, and this is a rare thing -- usually I just clean them like normal without incident.
@mari61960 (4893)
• United States
3 Apr 08
I know what you mean, I am constantly using a Q-tip on my ears. I had a friend that had a terrible ear wax problem and it always grossed me out. Ever since I met her I have been paranoid about ear wax...lol I mean I must check 3 times a day to make sure my ears are clean...lol
• United States
3 Apr 08
Yes and if I ever feel a little itch in my ear I must grab the Q-tip to clean and itch it! My boyfriend rarely uses them because a long time ago a nurse told him it was unhealthy to use them. I told him it's okay as long as you are careful and pay attention to what you're doing, making sure not to insert them too deeply into the ear canal. Whether it's healthy or unhealthy, I don't think I could live happily without my Q-tips!!
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
5 Apr 08
yes I like cotton swaps as well, they are gentle enough for a baby
1 person likes this
@skinnychick (6905)
• United States
5 Apr 08
I know your not supposed to do it but I can't help myself either. Last thing you need is ear wax oozing out of your ears!! Ewwwwwwwwwww.....
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Apr 08
I do because I hate having my ears clogged up.
1 person likes this
@Jurrdawg (55)
• United States
17 May 08
to tell ya the truth i dont use any of them =]
1 person likes this
• United States
3 Apr 08
Oh yeah, swabs are a must!!! I've never heard that they are bad for your ears. I mean, I know they can hurt you if you push them to far or something, but earwax buildup isn't good either!
@mummymo (23706)
3 Apr 08
Bethany Nooooooooooooo! Do you know the damage that you can do to yourself sticking those things in your ear? You should never put anything smaller than the tip of your elbow inside your ear! xxx
1 person likes this
@jenni7202 (1598)
• United States
4 Apr 08
I usually clean my ears out with q-tips every other day, or every 3rd day. I know your supposed to leave some wax in your ears, in order to prevent dust and grime from getting in there and harming you. So I don't clean it all out, I leave a little bit there to collect the nasties in the air. I don't particularly like using them, because they feel weird in there, but, I know it's better to clean them out because I tend to get that feeling of loose water in there, and that drives me mad.
1 person likes this