Most people mercilessly stuff them into their ears. What are cotton buds really for?

Doctors have been warning people not to clean their ears with cotton buds for years, even decades. Meanwhile, we can safely say that most Poles stuff them into their ear canals without worrying about anything. And this mistake can cost us a lot.

“Cosmetic” sticks, not “ear sticks”

Applying cotton buds to the ears has become so popular and “normal” that few people call them “cosmetic”. It is usually called “ear buds”. Meanwhile, the ear canal is the last place we should insert them. Why?

Cleaning your ears with cotton buds carries a lot of risk. You’ve probably pressed them too hard against your ear more than once. There was a piercing pain that lasted up to several dozen minutes, although with decreasing intensity. When the ear stops hurting, you stop worrying about it and continue to use cotton buds to clean it. Not every interaction between the stick and the ear canal ends so happily. You can easily get into serious problems, including: ear inflammation, tinnitus, difficulty hearing, dizziness, and even damage or even puncture of the eardrum.

Therefore, it is definitely better to stop pushing cotton buds into your ears and use them as intended. And what is their purpose? Cotton buds were created in the 1920s by Leo Gerstenzang, a Pole of Jewish origin. He was inspired by his wife, who wrapped wooden sticks in cotton wool to clean hard-to-reach places.

What are cotton buds used for?

They are perfect for cleaning various crevices around the house. Their effect is also appreciated by people who apply makeup or paint their nails – the sticks make it easier to make corrections. Moreover, it is worth using them when applying ointments or cosmetics, the packaging of which should not come into contact with our skin. In addition, cotton buds will help clean the ears – but only their outer part, i.e. the auricle.