This is why excessively cleaning your ears is a bad idea

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This article was written by  Akhona Ndlela.

Cleaning your ears may feel very satisfying, but doing so too often can be bad for you. We’ve all been guilty of over-cleaning our ears because we believe it is the most hygienic practice.

Surprisingly though, when it comes to ear care, less is more. Reaching for those cotton swabs all the time might cause discomfort and perhaps, more serious issues.

WebMD assures us that there’s no abnormality in having wax in your ears, stating, “It’s normal for your body to produce earwax, or as doctors may call it, cerumen. It helps protect and lubricate your ears. If you didn’t have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry.”

The above website also states that earwax acts as a filter for your ears, capturing and preventing hazardous substances like dust and debris from penetrating deeply.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Earwax isn’t dirty or unhealthy. In fact, it’s the opposite. Earwax helps ward off fungal infections and bacteria.”

The above clinic also states that you should pay attention to your ears because of the significant impact that it has on your life and overall health and advises one to seek medical care if the following occur:

• Your ears are itching or hurting.
• Unusual lumps or scaly patches on your ear’s exterior.
• Drainage from your ear which usually indicates an infection.

An audiologist, Julie Honaker suggests using a washcloth on your finger to wipe your ears exclusively. No sharp objects, bobby pins, or cotton swabs. Your eardrum and canal may sustain damage from those substances.

This article first appeared on Bona.