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. 2017 Dec 31;8(2):555.
doi: 10.4081/jphia.2017.555.

Self-ear cleaning practices and the associated risk of ear injuries and ear-related symptoms in a group of university students

Nasim Banu Khan  1 , Sivashnee Thaver  1 , Samantha Marlene Govender  1
Affiliations

Self-ear cleaning practices and the associated risk of ear injuries and ear-related symptoms in a group of university students

Nasim Banu Khan et al. J Public Health Afr. .

Abstract

Self-ear cleaning is the insertion of objects into the ear canal to clean it, a widespread practice that has the potential to compromise its integrity as a natural, selfcleansing mechanism, and a risk factor for possible injuries. The practice is common among young adults and highest in university than any other graduates. This study aimed to determine the self-ear cleaning practices and associated risk of injury and related symptoms in undergraduate students at KwaZulu-Natal University. The descriptive survey utilized a self-administered questionnaire. Of the 206 participants that responded, 98% engaged in self-ear cleaning, with 75% indicating that it was beneficial. The commonest method (79.6%) being the use of cotton buds, with an associated injury rate of 2.4%. There was no statistically significant associations between those who used or did not use cotton buds and the symptoms experienced. The complications indicate that self-ear cleaning does pose a risk for injury, necessitating more community information and education.

Keywords: Self-ear cleaning; benefit; cotton buds; ear injury; ear related symptoms; risk.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: the authors declare no potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Participants’ perceptions towards self-ear cleaning.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Frequency of self-ear cleaning.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Reasons for practicing self-ear cleaning.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Methods of self-ear cleaning.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Ear related symptoms experienced by participants.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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