Will picking your ears touch your eardrum?

I believe that many people like to clean their ears. Some like to ask their mothers to do it for them, some do it themselves, and some are more cautious and ask a doctor to do it for them. Some people will then ask this question: Will picking the ears touch the eardrum? I believe this is a question that most people would like to know the answer to, because the ear is a very fragile organ and is very important. Below is a detailed answer to this question.

Myth 1: If the eardrum ruptures, deafness will definitely occur

Correct answer: Injury to the eardrum, hearing loss

The popular understanding of the eardrum is that once the eardrum ruptures, hearing will be lost. In fact, this is not the case. Tympanic membrane damage is a very common thing in daily life. Many people pick their ears too deep and hit the eardrum, which is very painful. In this case, it is very likely that a small hole has been poked in the eardrum. The function of the eardrum is to expand the volume and enhance hearing. Its damage or even rupture will only affect hearing but will not completely cause deafness. Most people accidentally make a small hole in the eardrum when cleaning their ears. Generally speaking, the hole will heal on its own in about three months.

It should be noted that not only picking your ears can rupture the eardrum, but also excessive volume, a heavy slap, collision with a ball, etc. can all cause small holes in the eardrum. For example, a child injured his ear while playing with a sand cannon, creating a hole in his eardrum and causing significant hearing loss.

Myth 2: If your ears hurt, just drop some anti-inflammatory water

Correct answer: Don’t drip if there is no infection

Just like using eye drops for dry eyes, many people use anti-inflammatory drops when they have ear problems. Little do people know that randomly applying medicine may also cause inflammation.

If your ears hurt or get injured when you use a clean ear pick, you generally don't need to use anti-inflammatory drops. At this time, the external auditory canal is not infected by bacteria and maintains a dry and clean environment. But after applying the anti-inflammatory solution, a humid and warm environment is created, which makes it easier for bacteria to grow.

Under what circumstances can you use anti-inflammatory drops? When the ear is infected or pus is discharged, it is best to use anti-inflammatory drops under the doctor's advice. When taking a bath, it is best not to get your ears wet. You can plug your ears with cotton balls before taking a shower, and change the cotton balls when they are wet.

In addition, it is best to apply two drops of disinfectant every time after swimming in a public swimming pool. Because the water in public swimming pools may contain various bacteria.

Myth 3: Pick your ears when they itch

Correct answer: It may be a fungal infection

Many people have the habit of cleaning their ears regularly, especially those with oily ears. They often have oil flowing out or feel itchy, so they clean their ears every few days. Chen Guangui said that oily ears and dry ears are hereditary and cannot be changed. If people with oily ears feel oil coming out, they can use an ear pick to clean the visible external auditory canal. However, normal people's earwax will fall off automatically and generally will not get blocked. Whether you have oily ears or dry ears, cleaning earwax about once a month is enough. Firstly, earwax does not grow that fast, and secondly, earwax also has a certain protective effect, so don't "kill it in the cradle."

Our ears have two sections. The outer section of the external auditory canal is covered with skin, so it doesn’t hurt if it is accidentally touched. But the surface of the section inside that cannot be seen is covered with a thin mucous membrane, which will hurt if touched. When cleaning, it is best to use a soft, clean cotton swab. Hard ear cleaning tools, such as ear picks, are actually not good.

Chen Guangui reminded that many ear itches are caused by fungal infections. People who often pick their ears with dirty hands and suffer from athlete's foot are the main groups of people who are prone to fungal ear infections. Once infected, it is best to go to the hospital for examination in time.