Ear surgeon issues cotton buds warning

AN ear surgeon has warned against the use of cotton buds for cleaning ears.

Mr Charles Shinkwin, an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) consultant surgeon, said cotton buds were one of the most common causes of ear canal problems in patients he has treated.

Mr Shinkwin, who works at both the private Bon Secours Hospital in Cork and Barrington’s Hospital in Limerick, said by right, “nothing smaller than the elbow should be used” when cleaning the ear.