Author name: Paul Jolly

Ear Health and Sleep: The Hidden Connection You Need to Know Most people think of ear health and sleep quality as two separate issues. But what if the reason you struggle to get a good night’s rest is linked to your ears? From tinnitus ringing in the background to ear infections causing discomfort, ear-related problems can directly interfere with your ability to rest, recharge, and stay healthy. In this guide, we’ll explore the hidden connection between ear health and sleep, explain common problems that affect both, and share practical solutions for keeping your ears in top condition while improving your sleep. When to Seek Professional Help See a specialist if you experience: Pain, itching, or swelling in the ear. Persistent muffled hearing. Discharge or unusual odour. Recurring ear infections. Conclusion Swimming is a fantastic activity, but ear care should never be overlooked. By protecting your ears from excess water and booking regular check-ups, you can enjoy the pool or sea without the pain of infections or blockages. At Cleaner Ears in Ruislip, we provide safe and professional earwax removal and ear health checks to keep swimmers’ ears clear and healthy. 📞 Contact Cleaner Ears today to book your appointment and keep your ears in top condition.

Ear Care for Swimmers: Preventing Water-Related Ear Problems Swimming is one of the best ways to stay active, especially during the warmer months. But while regular dips in the pool, sea, or lake are great for fitness and relaxation, swimmers are often at risk of developing ear problems. From ear infections to trapped water, looking after your ears is just as important as applying sunscreen. Here’s how to keep your ears healthy and clear while enjoying time in the water. Why Swimmers Are More Prone to Ear Problems When water gets trapped in the ear canal, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. This can lead to swimmer’s ear (otitis externa), a painful infection that causes itching, redness, and sometimes discharge. Swimmers are also more likely to experience earwax blockages, as water can cause wax to swell and block the ear canal. Common Water-Related Ear Problems Swimmer’s Ear (Outer Ear Infection): Caused by trapped water and bacteria. Earwax Blockages: Water can expand wax, leading to temporary hearing loss. Middle Ear Infections: Pressure changes and water entry can sometimes trigger deeper infections. Tinnitus and Discomfort: Trapped water may cause ringing or muffled hearing. Tips for Protecting Your Ears While Swimming 1. Use Earplugs or Swim Caps Specially designed swimming earplugs or tight-fitting caps help keep water out of the ears. 2. Dry Ears Thoroughly After Swimming Tilt your head to each side and gently dry your ears with a towel. Avoid inserting cotton buds, as they can push wax deeper. 3. Avoid Swimming in Dirty Water Pools that aren’t well maintained, or natural water with high bacteria levels, increase the risk of infection. 4. Consider Preventive Ear Drops Some swimmers use alcohol-based ear drops to help dry the ear canal, but always consult a professional first. 5. Regular Ear Health Check-Ups If you’re a frequent swimmer, regular professional ear check-ups and wax removal can help prevent problems before they start. When to Seek Professional Help See a specialist if you experience: Pain, itching, or swelling in the ear. Persistent muffled hearing. Discharge or unusual odour. Recurring ear infections. Conclusion Swimming is a fantastic activity, but ear care should never be overlooked. By protecting your ears from excess water and booking regular check-ups, you can enjoy the pool or sea without the pain of infections or blockages. At Cleaner Ears in Ruislip, we provide safe and professional earwax removal and ear health checks to keep swimmers’ ears clear and healthy. 📞 Contact Cleaner Ears today to book your appointment and keep your ears in top condition.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Cotton Buds to Clean Your Ears For decades, cotton buds (also called cotton swabs or Q-tips) have been a go-to tool for cleaning ears. Many people believe they are the best way to remove earwax, but medical experts strongly advise against putting anything inside the ear canal. Using cotton buds incorrectly can cause more harm than good, leading to blocked ears, infections, pain, or even long-term hearing damage. In this article, we’ll explore why cotton buds are harmful, what you should use instead, and what to do if you’ve already injured your ear with one. Are Cotton Buds Bad for Your Ears? Yes, cotton buds are one of the most common causes of earwax impaction and ear injuries. Instead of removing wax, they usually push it deeper into the ear canal, creating a blockage. This can cause hearing problems, discomfort, or dizziness. In more severe cases, cotton buds can scratch the delicate ear canal or even puncture the eardrum. How to Clean Your Ears Without Cotton Buds The good news is that your ears are naturally self-cleaning. For most people, a gentle wash around the outer ear with a damp cloth is enough. The ear canal slowly moves wax outward, where it dries and flakes away.Other safe methods include: Ear drops or oils to soften wax. Over-the-counter ear sprays that help dissolve build-up. Professional microsuction earwax removal, the safest and most effective method recommended by audiologists. What to Use Instead of Cotton Buds for Ears Instead of cotton buds, you can use: Earwax removal drops (available at pharmacies). Warm water rinse in the shower (letting water flow gently around the outer ear, not deep inside). Professional earwax removal at a hearing clinic. Avoid inserting sharp objects, matches, or metal ear picks — these can be even more dangerous than cotton buds. I Used a Cotton Bud in My Ear and Now I Can’t Hear If you feel sudden hearing loss after using a cotton bud, you may have pushed earwax deeper inside, creating a blockage. Sometimes, it may also mean you scratched or injured your eardrum. Don’t try to fix it yourself. Book an appointment with a professional earwax removal clinic for a safe check-up and treatment. I Put a Cotton Bud in My Ear and Now It Hurts Pain after using a cotton bud is a warning sign. The cotton tip may have caused a small scratch, or worse, damaged your eardrum. If the pain doesn’t go away within a few hours or if it’s severe, seek medical attention immediately. Cotton Swab Ear Injury Treatment If you think you’ve injured your ear with a cotton bud: Stop using cotton buds immediately. Do not insert anything else into the ear. See a doctor or ear specialist for examination. If there is bleeding or fluid discharge, get urgent medical care. Minor scratches may heal on their own, but deeper injuries require treatment to avoid infection. Why Do You Put Cotton in Your Ear When You Have an Ear Infection? Some people use cotton to “plug” the ear when they have an infection, usually to absorb discharge or prevent dust and air from entering. However, it’s not always safe — blocking the ear may trap bacteria and worsen the infection. Always consult a doctor before using cotton in this way. Putting Cotton in Ear at Night Sleeping with cotton in your ear is generally unnecessary and not recommended. It can block natural airflow and may lead to irritation or infection. If you need to protect your ears from noise, water, or insects at night, use proper earplugs designed for sleeping instead. Final Thoughts Cotton buds may seem harmless, but they pose real risks to ear health. From earwax blockages to injuries, the dangers outweigh any short-term “clean” feeling. Your ears have a natural cleaning system — and when needed, professional earwax removal is the safest choice. At Cleaner Ears, we specialize in gentle, effective earwax removal using advanced methods like microsuction. If you’ve been using cotton buds and now experience blocked ears, pain, or hearing loss, book an appointment today for safe, professional care.

What Happens If Earwax Is Left Untreated? The Hidden Dangers of Ignoring Blocked Ears Earwax is a natural and important substance that helps protect the ears from dust, bacteria, and debris. However, when earwax builds up and becomes impacted, it can cause a wide range of problems that many people underestimate or ignore. Blocked ears may start as a mild inconvenience, but leaving earwax untreated can lead to serious discomfort, hearing issues, and even long-term ear health complications. In this article, we explore what happens when earwax is left untreated, the risks involved, and why professional earwax removal is so important. Why Earwax Builds Up in the First Place Normally, earwax moves out of the ear canal naturally. However, this process does not always work effectively. Earwax build-up is more likely if you: Use cotton buds or ear cleaning tools Wear earphones or hearing aids regularly Have narrow or curved ear canals Produce excess earwax naturally Are over the age of 60 When wax is pushed deeper into the ear or cannot exit naturally, it becomes impacted and blocks the ear canal. What Happens If You Ignore Blocked Ears? 1. Gradual Hearing Loss One of the most common consequences of untreated earwax is hearing loss. Impacted wax blocks sound waves from reaching the eardrum properly, causing muffled or reduced hearing. Many people mistake this for age-related hearing loss, when in reality it can often be completely reversed with professional earwax removal. 2. Persistent Ear Discomfort and Pain As earwax continues to build up, it can press against the sensitive walls of the ear canal or the eardrum. This pressure can cause: Dull aching pain A feeling of fullness Sharp discomfort when chewing or yawning Ignoring these symptoms can allow the problem to worsen over time. 3. Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus) Untreated earwax can trigger tinnitus, which is commonly described as ringing, buzzing, or humming sounds in the ears. This happens when blocked sound pathways interfere with how the brain processes sound. In many cases, tinnitus caused by earwax improves or disappears completely once the blockage is safely removed. 4. Dizziness and Balance Problems The ears play a crucial role in balance. Impacted earwax can interfere with the inner ear, leading to: Dizziness Light-headedness Balance issues or unsteadiness These symptoms can be particularly dangerous for older adults, increasing the risk of falls. 5. Increased Risk of Ear Infections When earwax is left untreated, it can trap moisture and bacteria inside the ear canal. This creates the perfect environment for infections to develop. Symptoms of an ear infection may include: Pain and swelling Redness inside the ear Discharge or unpleasant odour Fever in more severe cases Prompt earwax removal reduces the risk of infection and related complications. 6. Damage to the Eardrum Severe or prolonged earwax impaction can place pressure on the eardrum. In some cases, attempts to remove wax at home using cotton buds, hairpins, or ear candles can cause accidental damage. Eardrum damage can result in pain, hearing loss, and the need for specialist medical treatment. Can Untreated Earwax Cause Permanent Hearing Damage? In most cases, hearing loss caused by earwax is temporary. However, if earwax remains untreated for long periods, especially alongside infections or inflammation, it can contribute to long-term hearing problems. This is why early intervention is essential. A simple ear check and professional wax removal can prevent unnecessary complications. Why Home Remedies Often Make Things Worse Many people attempt to treat blocked ears at home using cotton buds, oils, or DIY tools. Unfortunately, these methods often push wax deeper into the ear canal, making the blockage worse. Home remedies can also increase the risk of: Ear canal injury Infection Impacted wax that becomes harder to remove Professional earwax removal is always the safest and most effective solution. The Safest Way to Treat Blocked Ears The gold standard for earwax removal is microsuction. This method is: Safe and clinically approved Quick and virtually painless Performed under direct visual guidance Suitable for adults, children, and hearing aid users Microsuction removes earwax without introducing water or pressure into the ear, reducing risks significantly. When Should You Book an Appointment? You should book a professional ear check if you experience: Blocked or muffled hearing Ear pain or pressure Ringing or buzzing sounds Dizziness or balance issues Recurrent ear infections Even if symptoms are mild, early treatment prevents them from escalating. Frequently Asked Questions How long can earwax safely stay in the ear? There is no exact timeframe, but if earwax causes symptoms or blocks hearing, it should be removed as soon as possible. Is it dangerous to leave earwax untreated? Yes. Untreated earwax can lead to infections, hearing loss, balance problems, and ongoing discomfort. Can earwax come out on its own? Sometimes, but impacted earwax often requires professional removal. Book Professional Earwax Removal Today Ignoring blocked ears can lead to unnecessary discomfort and serious ear health problems. The good news is that earwax build-up is easy to treat when addressed early. Cleaner Ears provides professional ear checks and safe microsuction earwax removal, helping restore hearing and comfort quickly and effectively. 📞 Contact us today or book your appointment online and take the first step towards clearer hearing and healthier ears.