Foreign News
Health Alert: The hidden dangers of using Cotton Buds to clean your ears
Experts warn common hygiene habit could lead to hearing loss, infections, and irreversible damage.
American health experts are urging the public to stop using cotton buds to clean inside their ears, warning that the popular habit is doing more harm than good.
According to Dr. Tonia L. Farmer, a board-certified otolaryngologist in Ohio, cotton swabs are not designed for ear cleaning and are often the root cause of serious ear problems...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
“They really weren’t made to clean your ears,” she said. “Most people don’t realize that using them can push the wax further in and cause impaction, pain, or even a ruptured eardrum.”
Farmer explained that the ear is a self-cleaning organ. Through natural jaw movement and skin shedding, earwax slowly migrates to the outer ear on its own.
Interfering with this process by inserting objects like cotton swabs can not only block the ear canal but can also damage its delicate structures.
“Don’t put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear,” she added, repeating a common phrase used by ENT specialists.
Cotton buds-related injuries are surprisingly common.
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics reported that more than 260,000 children in the United States were treated in emergency rooms over a 20-year period due to ear injuries caused by cotton swabs.
In adults, injuries range from mild irritation to eardrum perforations and infections that require antibiotics or surgical intervention.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery has also updated its guidelines, strongly advising against using cotton buds or any small object to remove earwax.
The organization recommends leaving earwax alone unless it is causing symptoms like hearing loss, ringing, or fullness — in which case professional removal is advised.
Dr. Farmer suggests that individuals experiencing wax buildup try safer alternatives, such as over-the-counter ear drops to soften wax, or gently rinsing the ear canal with warm water using a rubber bulb syringe.
However, she warns that these methods should be used carefully and discontinued if discomfort occurs.
Ultimately, she says, the best approach for most people is simple: “Let your ears do what they’re made to do. In most cases, no intervention is necessary at all.”
Health experts continue to stress that while cotton swabs may seem harmless, using them inside the ear canal risks unnecessary injury.
For those with ongoing ear issues, the safest solution remains professional medical care.
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged his citizens engaging in xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals to remember the role other African countries played in the anti-apartheid struggle. Speaking at the 2026 Freedom Day commemoration in Bloemfontein, Ramaphosa said: “We should never allow the legitimate concerns of our communities about illegal migration to breed prejudice towards our fellow Africans.” His remarks come amid attacks on Nigerians and Ghanaians.
Key Points:
Ramaphosa said South Africa carries a responsibility to advance constitutional values beyond its borders.
Two Nigerian nationals were recently killed by South African security personnel.
Fresh protests are reportedly planned in Gauteng Province this week.
The Nigerian Consulate has called for urgent investigations into the killings.
Ramaphosa warned against allowing migration concerns to give rise to xenophobia...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
The president’s call for solidarity comes as tensions rise between South Africans and other African nationals.For More. Read The Complete Article. Thank You.
Sources: Vanguard News
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The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has called for urgent investigations after two Nigerian nationals, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, died in separate incidents involving South African security operatives.
Emmanuel reportedly died on April 20 after sustaining injuries allegedly inflicted by South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel. Andrew was arrested on April 19, and his body was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary. The consulate has urged independent investigations.
Key Points:..TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
The consulate described the incidents as “deeply disturbing.”
Formal cases have been opened with the South African Police Service.
The consulate warned against stereotyping Nigerians as criminals.
Nigerians in South Africa have been urged to remain calm and law-abiding.
The consulate is engaging relevant authorities and will support bereaved families.
The consulate called for thorough, transparent, and impartial investigations.For More. Read The Complete Article. Thank You.
Sources: Instagram / Social Media Reports
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged Nigerians and other foreign nationals residing in South Africa to respect the country’s laws, customs, and traditions.
Speaking on Freedom Day amid renewed anti-foreigner tensions, Ramaphosa said: “To those who are here legally, respect us as South Africans, respect our laws, respect our conventions and our traditions.” He stressed that South Africa would enforce its immigration laws while remaining committed to multilateralism.
Key Points:..TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador said Nigerians are “not under siege” in South Africa.
NiDCOM issued safety advisories urging Nigerians to avoid confrontations.
Protests have turned violent in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and KwaZulu-Natal.
The Nigerian Consulate remains operational and is working with South African authorities.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs is engaging with her South African counterpart.
Both governments are collaborating to ensure the safety of Nigerian citizens in South Africa.For More. Read The Complete Article. Thank You.
Sources: Punch Newspaper , Vanguard
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