TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2017//
TI  - Self-ear cleaning practices and the associated risk of ear injuries and ear-related symptoms in a group of university students
JO  - Journal of public health in Africa
A1  - Khan, Nasim Banu
A1  - Thaver, Sivashnee
A1  - Govender, Samantha Marlene
SP  - e555
EP  - e555
VL  - 8
IS  - 2
N2  - Self-ear cleaning is the insertion of objects into the ear canal to clean it, a widespread practice that has the potential to compromise its integrity as a natural, selfcleansing mechanism, and a risk factor for possible injuries. The practice is common among young adults and highest in university than any other graduates. This study aimed to determine the self-ear cleaning practices and associated risk of injury and related symptoms in undergraduate students at KwaZulu-Natal University. The descriptive survey utilized a self-administered questionnaire. Of the 206 participants that responded, 98% engaged in self-ear cleaning, with 75% indicating that it was beneficial. The commonest method (79.6%) being the use of cotton buds, with an associated injury rate of 2.4%. There was no statistically significant associations between those who used or did not use cotton buds and the symptoms experienced. The complications indicate that self-ear cleaning does pose a risk for injury, necessitating more community information and education.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 2038-9922
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.4081/jphia.2017.555
ID  - ref1
ER  -