Episode 384: Is Cleaning Your Ears Too Often Bad for You?

There is a reason why ear cleaning feels good.

There are many nerves around the ear, and one of them is called the "Arnold nerve" (Arnold nerve). This is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, and stimulating it is said to help the body relax. The reason you feel so good when cleaning your ears is because this nerve is being stimulated.

However, doing it too much can lead to unexpected trouble.

If you clean your ears every day just because it feels good, you risk damaging the skin inside. If bacteria enter through those small wounds, it can lead to conditions like external otitis or otitis media. Furthermore, the episode discusses an unexpected vicious cycle where damaged cells actually cause an increase in earwax production.

Earwax is actually a barrier that protects your ears.

Do you think of earwax as something "dirty"? In fact, earwax has a barrier function that prevents dust and foreign objects from entering, and it contains enzymes that fight bacteria. If you remove earwax completely, it actually leaves your ears defenseless. From a pharmacist's perspective, this episode proposes a recommended frequency for cleaning. If you are concerned about your ear health, please be sure to check out the full episode.