Many people use cotton Qtips because their ears get itchy—but in doing so, make their ears more itchy, because a Qtip will scrape off a protective, sealing layer of skin and wax. The result? Dry, itchy skin. In some cases, vigorous use of a Qtip can result in a ruptured ear drum—a very painful condition.

If you suspect that you have an overgrowth of wax that needs attention, contact a hearing care professional to have the wax safely removed.

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