12 ‘healthy’ hygiene habits that are actually bad for you

Some people swear on cotton buds to dig out ear gunk, but medical experts will warn you not to try it. And for good reason – those seemingly harmless cotton swabs have caused countless catastrophes, from punctured eardrums and ear infections to even hearing loss. According to audiologist, Brande Plotnick, the ear canal doesn’t even need to be “cleaned.” Enough water enters the ear canal during showers to naturally slough away wax that has accumulated.