A professor of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ayodele Sogebi, has warned Nigerians against using cotton buds, sticks and other objects to clean their ears, saying the practice could cause injuries, infections and hearing impairment.
Sogebi, of the university’s Department of Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, gave the warning on Tuesday while delivering OOU’s 131st inaugural lecture, titled, “Having Ears, Why Then Do They Not Hear? The Causes and Effects of Hearing Impairment Among Nigerians.”
He explained that the ear has a natural self-cleaning mechanism and that inserting objects to remove wax or relieve itching is unnecessary and potentially harmful.
The professor said many Nigerians mistakenly regard earwax as dirt that must be removed regularly, whereas it is a natural substance that helps protect the ear.
“Cleaning the ear is wrong. In fact, putting anything inside the ear, whether you are using it to clean or scratch it, should be discouraged,” he said.
According to Sogebi, earwax has cleansing and antimicrobial properties that help protect the ear canal against infections.
He warned that attempts to remove it manually could disrupt the ear’s natural cleaning process, push wax deeper into the canal and cause blockage that may affect hearing.
The don also cautioned against inserting objects into the ear to remove foreign bodies, noting that such attempts could cause physical injuries and other complications.
He identified the practice as a significant cause of ear injuries, particularly among children, although adults also engage in it.
Sogebi urged Nigerians experiencing ear discomfort, itching or hearing difficulties to seek medical attention rather than inserting objects into their ears.
Don warns against loud music
The professor also identified excessive noise exposure as a major risk factor for hearing impairment.
He warned Nigerians against listening to loud music for prolonged periods through earpieces and headphones, explaining that repeated exposure to loud sounds could damage sensory hair cells in the inner ear and cause permanent hearing loss.
“The damage accumulates over the years, and when a significant number of those hair cells have been destroyed, the person may no longer hear properly,” he said.
Sogebi described noise pollution from traffic, poorly maintained vehicles, unnecessary honking and loudspeakers at motor parks as a public health concern.
He called on the government to strengthen noise regulation and urged motorists and commercial transport operators to reduce unnecessary noise.
Workers in noisy environments, including construction sites, factories and music venues, were also advised to protect their hearing with earplugs or earmuffs.
11.2 million Nigerians living with hearing loss
Sogebi disclosed that an estimated 11.2 million Nigerians were living with hearing loss as of 2021, stressing the importance of public awareness and early detection.
He said hearing impairment was not always obvious because affected people might still hear sounds but struggle to understand conversations or respond appropriately.
“What I am saying is that we should not just assume that when people hear, they are hearing properly. So many people hear, but more often than not, they are not hearing well, and they may not even know it,” he said.
The professor urged Nigerians to take hearing health seriously by avoiding harmful ear-cleaning practices, reducing exposure to loud sounds and seeking professional help when hearing problems arise.
