Kolkata, India – In a move that’s stirring both medical circles and household routines, Dr. Sudipta Chandra of the ENT & Head Neck Cancer Clinic in Kolkata is urging the public to abandon cotton swabs for ear cleaning. This unexpected yet crucial advisory is rooted in an alarming rise in ear injuries and infections reported across urban India.
“Cotton swabs are not only ineffective but potentially harmful,” Dr. Sudipta Chandra explains. “Many people think they’re cleaning their ears, but they’re actually pushing wax deeper and injuring the delicate canal lining.”
According to the ENT & Head Neck Cancer Clinic, improper ear-cleaning habits have led to a 20% increase in ear infection and trauma-related cases over the past year alone. These injuries range from minor abrasions to severe infections requiring surgical intervention. Dr. Sudipta Chandra emphasizes that earwax is the body’s natural defense mechanism and usually does not need to be removed unless it’s causing a blockage or hearing issue.
Dr. Sudipta Chandra has launched an extensive public awareness campaign to inform people about safer alternatives and the importance of professional ear care. “We’ve seen cases where repeated swab usage led to infections requiring surgery,” he adds. “These cases are preventable with the right knowledge and behavior change.”
The campaign, titled “Think Before You Swab,” includes educational workshops in schools and community centers, informative videos, and online webinars. Parents are being encouraged to teach children about safe ear hygiene practices, while teachers are being trained to identify early symptoms of ear issues among students.
Some critics have expressed skepticism, calling the campaign excessive and even alarmist. However, many healthcare professionals and organizations support Dr. Chandra’s bold stance, noting that outdated hygiene practices continue to cause unnecessary harm, especially in children and the elderly. The Indian Medical Association has recently endorsed the clinic’s initiative, acknowledging its potential to reduce avoidable ENT emergencies.
The ENT & Head Neck Cancer Clinic has taken additional steps to help the public adopt safer practices. They are offering free consultations and ear health assessments every weekend for the next two months. These sessions aim to correct misinformation, promote safer alternatives like saline ear rinses, and ensure early diagnosis of potential infections.
“Ultimately, our goal is to help people preserve their hearing and ear health long-term,” says Dr. Sudipta Chandra. “We understand these habits are deeply ingrained, but with proper information and access to specialists, we can shift toward safer and more effective practices.”
The clinic also encourages people to take advantage of its virtual consultation services, especially those unable to visit in person. Expert ENT care is now just a click away through their official website. The clinic provides online appointment booking, downloadable guides, and video tutorials on proper ear care.
For additional information, downloadable resources, or to schedule an appointment, visit https://entandheadneckcancerclinic.com/.