Why shouldn't you put cotton swabs in your ear canal?

Answer by  geekch1ck (15)

Cotton swabs are fine for cleaning the outside of the ear. However, they should never be pushed into the ear canal. When you place a cotton swab into the ear canal you can push bacteria into the canal, causing an ear infection. They can also tear the skin inside the ear canal, or even puncture the ear drum.

Answer by  daveb (74)

Most cotton swabs carry the disclaimer that you should not put them in the ear canal, but use them to clean the rest of the ear. The danger is that you could puncture your eardrum, or push in and compact the ear wax you're trying to remove.