Man left confused after finding out cotton buds ‘shouldn’t be put in ears'

If you've always used cotton ear buds to clean your ears, you're certainly not alone.

For so many people, it's simply a normal part of their everyday routines.

In fact, some of us know it's not technically advised, but continue to use them anyway.

Do you use cotton buds? (Flavio Coelho/Getty Stock Image)

But one TikToker has been left somewhat puzzled after buying a box of cotton buds only to see a warning on the side stating 'do not insert down the ear or nose canal'.

The TikTok account - @rightguysalsireviews - posted the clip asking the question we're all wondering: "How do we clear our ears then?"

In the video, the man can be heard saying: "Right guys, why am I only finding this out now about cotton buds? I got these cotton buds from Aldi yesterday to clean my ears out.

"But on inspection, I looked on the side and they say 'do not insert into the ear or nose canal', so what are they for an how am I going to clean my ears?"

After watching the video, people were divided. While some were left just as baffled, others have explained that using the cotton sticks can cause damage to your ear drum.

In fact, the NHS advises not using them.

One person wrote: "There’s nothing better than cleaning ur ears w cotton buds."

While another said: "I understand that you people said using cotton bud for the ear doesn't clean the ear. But I love the feeling I get from using cotton buds."

And a third added: "You're not supposed to clean your ears with them because it pushes wax onto your ear drum and can compact and cause infections."

We shouldn't be using cotton buds in our ears, apparently (Cavan Images/Getty Stock Images)

According to the NHS, we shouldn't be using objects like cotton buds, or our fingers, to remove ear wax.

In fact, anything smaller than our elbow shouldn't be inserted into our ears at all. "Don't use your fingers or objects like cotton buds to remove earwax. This will push it in and make it worse. Ear wax usually falls out on its own," the NHS explains.

If you are struggling with wax, there are other ways to conquer the issue.

"If it doesn't and blocks your ear, put two to three drops of olive or almond oil in your ear twice a day for a few days," the NHS continues.

"Over two weeks, lumps of ear wax should fall out of your ear, especially at night when you're lying down."

Topics: Beauty, Health, TikTok, Advice, NHS

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot.

@lucedevine