What are the advantages and disadvantages of ear picking?

　　Ears are sensitive and fragile organs of the human body, and "ear picking" as a traditional leisure method has become more and more popular in recent years. Many people find ear-picking comfortable and relieving stress, and can even "clean up trash and protect hearing." But do you really know Tsai Er? Does it have any scientific basis? Will it hurt the ears? Today we will explain clearly the real benefits and risks of ear picking, and help you enjoy this "numbing" relaxation safely.

Benefits of ear picking

　　1. Clean the ear canal and relieve discomfort

　　The ear canal naturally secretes cerumen (commonly known as earwax). A small amount of cerumen can protect the eardrum, fight bacteria and prevent dust. However, if the secretion is excessive or the discharge is not smooth, it may block the ear canal, causing ear fullness, tinnitus or even hearing loss. Professional ear picking can remove cerumen and dust accumulated on the surface of the external auditory canal, reduce the foreign body sensation, and keep the ear canal fresh.

　　2. Promote local blood circulation

　　The gentle stimulation during ear picking can act on the skin and nerve endings around the ears, helping to improve local blood circulation and relieve ear tension. It has a certain relief effect on those who wear headphones for a long time or have ear fatigue.

　　3. Relax and relieve stress

　　The ear is rich in nerves, especially the concha, tragus and other areas, which are closely connected with the brain. Appropriate stimulation of these parts can activate the parasympathetic nerves, help reduce anxiety levels, and bring a deep sense of relaxation, similar to "spa for the ears", which is why many people feel "refreshed after taking the medicine".

Possible disadvantages of ear picking

　　1. Damage to the ear canal and tympanic membrane

　　If ear-picking tools (such as ear picks and cotton swabs) are not used properly, they can easily scratch the delicate ear canal skin or even puncture the tympanic membrane, causing bleeding and pain in the ear canal. In severe cases, it may affect hearing and cause tinnitus, ear fullness and other discomforts. The risk is higher especially for non-professional operations.

　　2. Cause ear canal infection

　　If the tools are not thoroughly disinfected during ear picking, bacteria and fungi will be introduced into the ear canal.； After the ear canal skin is damaged, pathogens can easily breed, causing infections such as otitis externa and otitis media, with symptoms such as redness, swelling, pus, and severe pain. Failure to treat them promptly may aggravate the condition.

　　3. Disrupt the physiological balance of the ear canal

　　Earwax (cerumen) in the ear canal can block dust and bacteria, lubricate the ear canal, and protect the eardrum. Excessive ear picking will remove too much earwax, destroy the natural protective barrier of the ear canal, lead to dryness and itching of the ear canal, and even make it easier for foreign objects to invade, increasing the risk of disease.

Precautions for ear picking

　　1. Choose professional institutions and tools

　　For ear picking, you need to go to a regular medical institution or a professional ear picking shop to ensure that the operator is qualified and the tools have been sterilized by high temperature or sterility.； Avoid using sharp and dirty homemade tools. For home use, you can choose soft medical cotton swabs and gently clean the outside of the ear canal.

　　2. Control frequency and operation intensity

　　Healthy people do not need to frequently pick their ears. The earwax will fall off on its own. It is recommended to clean it every 3-6 months (except when too much earwax blocks the ear canal).； Be gentle when operating, avoid digging deep into the ear canal, and do not dig hard to prevent damage to the ear canal or tympanic membrane.

　　3. Avoid ear picking under special circumstances

　　If there is inflammation, ulcer, bleeding in the ear canal or perforation of the tympanic membrane, ear picking is prohibited to avoid aggravating the injury and infection.； Children, the elderly, and those with basic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes must consult a doctor before ear harvesting and have it evaluated by a professional to reduce safety risks.

　　Ear picking can moderately relax and clean the outer ears, but it is not a "universal health regimen". Ears do not need to be "deeply cleaned" every day, let alone digging deeply at will. Remember one sentence: the deep part of the ear canal will clean itself, you just need to take care of your hands - less digging is the best protection.