Ear wax often misunderstood and overlooked, plays a crucial role in our ear health. Understanding these facts helps promote proper ear care and prevents unnecessary complications.
Myth: Ear wax is a sign of poor hygiene
Fact: Ear wax is a normal, healthy bodily secretion that serves important protective functions.
Myth: Everyone should clean wax out regularly
Fact: Most people never need to remove ear wax – the ears are self-cleaning organs.
Myth: Cotton swabs are designed for ear cleaning
Fact: Package warnings explicitly state not to insert them into ear canals due to risk of damage.
Myth: Ear candles effectively remove wax
Fact: FDA warns against these devices; studies show they don’t remove wax and can cause serious injuries.
