Have you ever noticed tickling in your throat or coughing when cleaning your ears? It's not just a coincidence; there is a reason behind it. It is usually due to Arnold's nerve reflex.    

From causes to precautions and treatments, we will explain everything you need about this reflex. Let's quickly start by understanding this ear-cough connection.

What Is Arnold's Ear Cough Reflex?

Arnold's nerve ear-cough reflex happens when the ear canal is stimulated. This stimulation occurs when cleaning or touching the ear canal. It is a rare condition when people are too sensitive to ear stimulation.  

It usually happens when cleaning the ears with a cotton swab or inserting an earbud. But some people are sensitive to it, and even a little pressure can make them cough. To understand this concept, you must realize Arnold's nerve and its connection to the vagus nerve.

What Is Arnold's Nerve?

Arnold's nerve is a tiny branch of the vagus nerve. It is also known as the auricular branch of the Vagus nerve. It is connected to the sensory neurons in the ear canal. The activation of these neurons causes stimulation, which leads to this reflex. The stimulation in this area causes coughing when you clean your ears.   

What Is the Vagus Nerve?

The vagus nerve is a long nerve that starts from your brain and spreads to the neck, chest and abdomen. It is a long nerve that controls several body functions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing. It is also involved in things like coughing, sneezing, and even your voice.

Coughing occurs when the Vagus nerve signals confuse the brain since they are connected to the throat and ear. The brain thinks the irritation is due to any irritant in the throat, making you cough string to remove that irritant. 

Other Common Causes Of Coughing When Cleaning Ears

Although Arnold's nerve is the most common cause of coughing, it could also be caused by other causes. These may include;

  • Chronic cough
  • Earwax buildup
  • Ear infection cough
  • Foreign Objects like insects, food particles etc.

Precautions For Those With Arnold's Reflex

Although Arnold's Reflex is usually not a severe threat to your health, it could still be uncomfortable sometimes. Follow the precautions shared below to avoid this situation;

  • Avoid using cotton swabs or sharp objects to clean deep inside the ear canal. As the American Academy of Otolaryngology says, "Don't put anything smaller than your elbow you want to risk hearing loss or a perforated eardrum."
  • Use ear drops or irrigation techniques for cleaning instead of touching the ear canal directly.
  • Clean your ears less frequently to prevent irritation and the cough reflex.
  • Get medical advice if coughing or discomfort persists during ear cleaning.
  • Gently touch your outer ear.
  • Use earplugs or protective headgear in loud environments.
  • Take breaks from headphones and keep the volume low enough to prevent ear strain.
  • Avoid going to concerts, stadiums or other noisy places if you have this condition. 
  • Wear protective gear while swimming and dry your ears well to prevent trapped water and infections.

When To Seek Professional Help?

Although coughing when cleaning your ears is not severe, you should be careful. You must see a doctor if you notice other severe symptoms like cough and ear pain, hearing loss, or dizziness. These symptoms are often due to an infection, earwax impaction, or other serious issues.

A doctor will thoroughly examine your ear and recommend the best treatment. Sometimes, they treat you with professional ear cleaning if the coughing is due to excessive earwax or foreign objects.

Final Words

Hearing is an essential sense of communication. Understanding why you cough when cleaning your ears is vital for treating it. Although Arnold's reflex is harmless, it could still cause discomfort and unnecessary irritation. 

Practice safe ear-cleaning methods, especially if you have hypersensitivity to this condition. These will protect your ears and keep you safe from unnecessary complications.  

Take Care of Your Hearing Health

Issues like Arnold's nerve reflex may cause discomfort when cleaning your ears and even further problems. It's crucial to be aware of potential hearing problems that arise. If you've been experiencing trouble hearing due to age or any other reason, consider getting over-the-counter hearing aids. 

Chosco offers a wide range of hearing aids, including Rechargeable, Bluetooth, Completely In the Canal, Behind the Air and other accessories. These devices are the best solution for mild to moderate hearing loss.

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