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A member asked:
Can q tip hurt ear? please help. my elderly mom has wax?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
Yes !: Sticking cotton swabs into the ear canal can push wax further into the canal against the ear drum and make it more difficult to remove. Nothing should go deep into the ear without being able to visualize where it is going. Older adults often have wax problems due to dryness and change in wax consistency, etc. Use a otc wax softener and a gentle irrigant. If unsuccessful, see a doctor for removal.
Answered 11/1/2012
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