Use and abuse of cotton buds

Abstract

SUMMARYEar injuries caused by cotton buds are commonly seen in ear, nose and throat (ENT) practice. We asked 1000 patients attending an ENT referral clinic whether they used cotton buds to clean the ear canal. Of the 325 who responded, 171 said they did. The frequency of use was no higher in those with ear complaints than in those with nose and other complaints. 15-20% of respondents disagreed with the statements that cotton buds can cause infections, wax impaction or perforations. On the evidence of this survey, manufacturers' warnings need to be fortified.

Popularity and Harms of Aural Foreign Bodies: A Descriptive Study of Patients in Baqiyatallah University Hospital, Tehran, Iran

“…Onotai et al mentioned that cotton buds were being used by 18.6% of adults as the most common foreign body 5 . Also in Hobson et al study 53% of study individuals were used to use cotton buds for cleaning their ear 14 . In agreement with the present study, in Hobson et al study ear problems were the most common reason for attending to Otolaryngology clinic followed by nasal, pharyngeal and other problems 14 .…”

Extent of cotton-bud use in ears

“…3 In recent times, manufacturers have heeded the advice of the otolaryngologist and have consequently relayed warnings to the public. We conducted a survey to investigate the extent of 'Q-tip' cotton bud public use in ears and the awareness of associated complications.…”

“…One previous study did attempt to evaluate cotton-bud use and awareness of complications. 3 As responders were ENT-clinic attendees, the study was limited by a biased sample. However, similar levels of cotton-bud use and awareness of complications were found.…”

“…Discussion about digital health inequalities tends to focus on the access that patients may have to the internet or in their ability to use it, [2][3][4] but there are clearly inequalities in the provision of opportunity to use e-health. The online facilities that are offered at some practices should be offered to all and should be considered a mark of a quality practice.…”

“…That this may have an effect on the way patients seek help is in accordance with new research. 3 People may think that the GP is some kind of 'barrier' to medical care access and thus postpone attending the GP. Or people experience their nice and friendly GP as very busy and do not want to disturb them, exactly the point also made by Davies.…”