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Safe ear care
How to look after ears without cotton buds, oils or objects in the canal.
Earwax is normal. It usually moves outward on its own. Cotton buds, hair pins, keys and ear candles push wax deeper and can injure the canal or the eardrum.
Do not put oil, herbal drops or leftover antibiotic drops into a painful or discharging ear. Discharge can mean a perforation, and drops that are safe in an intact ear can be harmful if the eardrum is open.
Keep headphones at a moderate volume and take breaks. If hearing drops suddenly, arrange same-day care rather than trying to syringe the ear at home.