Audiologists raise concerns about the dangers of following popular TikTok ear cleaning trends, emphasizing the risk of serious harm and the importance of consulting healthcare professionals for safe practices.
Audiologists are raising concerns over a popular trend on TikTok, where various ear cleaning methods, including the use of small tools, olive oil, and even harsh chemicals, are being promoted, gathering millions of views. Experts highlight that the auditory system is designed to clean itself and warn that attempting such methods at home is not only unnecessary but could result in serious harm. Gordon Harrison of Specsavers and Christina Kourie, a clinical audiologist based in London, have both voiced concerns about the potential risks, including ear infections or damage to the ear canal, which might follow from these do-it-yourself approaches. They stress the importance of seeking professional advice for earwax removal, recommending safer, medically approved methods like syringing or micro-suction over viral DIY trends. This surge in online tutorials advocating self-care practices for ear cleaning is seen as alarming by specialists, who urge the public to prioritize safety by allowing ears to clean themselves or by consulting healthcare professionals for assistance.