Does picking ears lead to deafness?

I'm talking about picking with the pinkie finger or with a Q-tip. Not just regular cleaning, but obsessively picking at whatever itches, picking at the scaps that form, picking just to see the wax... Does anyone know if this is a form of OCD, if it leads to eventual deafness or reduced hearing?

There are a couple of 'disorders' that this could be related to:- Trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling) and Dermatillomania (compulsive skin picking).

Most doctors class these disorders as a form of OCD. Most GPs have never heard of Dermatillomania and you may have difficulty seeking treatment.

Using a Q-Tip isn't a good idea as it is possible to scratch the ear drum, causing an infection. This is very painful and can damage the ear drum.

Using your finger is unlikely to cause any long-term damage, but there is a risk of infection. Keep your nails short and clean, wash your finger before picking your ear.

As I'm sure you are aware, there are other problems associated with 'picking', including very sore skin.

'Picking' is a very hard thing to overcome, but there are many support groups out there who can help you identify why you pick and help you develop coping strategies.

I would definitely consider speaking to your doctor, but be prepared to have them ask lots of silly questions like, "why on earth do you do that?" or "why don't you just stop?" or "can I get all my medical students to look at you?".

Good luck and best wishes for the future.

ehm, no, your finger can not go that deep.

Depends on how deep you dig. Stop when you find the gold eh? Seriously, as long as you don't interfere with the ear drum you should be fine. But I'd find out what is causing all this irritation.

no but if you jam something in there deep enough to hurt it can. scabs you mean? well that sort of picking i would say is like biting your fingernails and such, nervous habit or maybe an ocd thing. if its a small child doing it, it might denote they are having an ear infection or maybe already hearing loss, i would take them to see a doctor.

PARDON?

if u r careless u'll break ur ear drum that makes deaf.even it's itchy use only salt water(warm) 4 cleansing the wax inside ur ears,never ever pick ur ears.take care.

yes, if you do something excessively, it can be considered as a form of OCD. it is a disorder when it starts to interfer with your life, and you can't concentrate on doing anything else before you finish what you want to do with the ear.

one way to stop doing it is probably to use those ear drops. it is less harmful, and it dissolves the wax, etc.

it leads to deaf, because sound waves is transmitted thru the eardrum inside of it, if the eardrum is broken, then that side of the ear will become deaf.

It should have no effect at all on hearing. This mechanism sits behind your ear drum, where fortunately you cant get at it.

Sounds like you should however be discussing your problem with your GP for other reasons.

I was always told "never put anything in your ear smaller than your elbow"

Only if you pop the ear drum.