BUFFALO, N.Y. — Removing ear wax may sound humorous, unless you need it done. Then it can be a personal emergency that can hinder hearing and cause pain. The need is more prevalent among older people.

You may have been taught to clean your ears with a Q-tip or cotton swab -- and even enjoy how satisfying it can be -- but Q-tips aren't the safest method and can actually harm your ears. After all, ...

You've probably used cotton swabs to clean your ears. Here's why ENTs say you shouldn't. (Getty Images) "Don’t put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear." It's the kind of thing you may have ...

Maintaining ear health involves understanding safe cleaning practices and avoiding harmful methods. Earwax protects the ears, but buildup can cause impaction, leading to discomfort and hearing issues.

Many of us reach for a cotton swab (commonly known as an earbud) to clean our ears, believing it's the best way to remove earwax. However, what appears to be a harmless habit can actually put your ...

There are different ideas about how to clean your ears. Doctors generally agree that putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea. Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don’t need ...

Using cotton swaps inside your ear can cause damage, impacted earwax, or infection. If your ears feel plugged up, a healthcare professional can clean them. Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ...

Doctors agree you shouldn't clean your ears by sticking Q-tips in them. Otolaryngologist Dennis Fitzgerald explains why it feels so good and why it's so bad. Now, a disclaimer. NPR is not responsible ...