Sogebi gave the warning on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, while delivering the university’s 131st inaugural lecture, titled “Having Ears, Why Then Do They Not Hear? The Causes and Effects of Hearing Impairment Among Nigerians.”

The professor, who is a member of the Department of Surgery in OOU’s Faculty of Clinical Sciences, explained that the ear has a natural mechanism for removing excess wax and generally does not require routine cleaning inside the ear canal.

He said many people mistakenly consider earwax to be dirt that must be removed, overlooking its protective role in maintaining ear health.

According to Sogebi, earwax helps trap dust and foreign particles, lubricates the ear canal and provides protection against certain bacteria and fungi. Attempts to remove it with cotton buds or other objects can interfere with this natural process and push wax further into the canal, potentially causing a blockage that affects hearing.

He cautioned that inserting objects into the ear could also scratch or damage the ear canal and eardrum, increase the risk of infection and leave foreign materials lodged inside the ear.

The professor advised Nigerians experiencing persistent itching, discomfort, blocked ears or difficulty hearing to seek medical attention instead of attempting to solve the problem by inserting objects into the ear canal.

He also identified foreign objects in the ear as a cause of injury, particularly among children, while noting that adults were not exempt from the risks associated with the practice.

Beyond ear-cleaning habits, Sogebi raised concerns about excessive exposure to loud sounds, especially through headphones and earpieces.

He explained that prolonged exposure to high noise levels can damage the delicate sensory cells in the inner ear responsible for hearing. Such damage may accumulate over time, with noticeable hearing difficulties developing only after significant harm has occurred.

The professor also pointed to noise pollution from road traffic, poorly maintained vehicles, unnecessary honking and loudspeakers at motor parks as issues requiring greater public attention.

He called on the government to strengthen the enforcement of noise-control regulations and urged motorists and commercial transport operators to reduce avoidable noise.

Workers in construction, factories, entertainment venues and other noisy environments were also advised to use suitable hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, where necessary.

Sogebi further highlighted the scale of hearing impairment in Nigeria, citing an estimate that approximately 11.2 million Nigerians were living with hearing loss in 2021.

He cautioned that hearing difficulties are not always immediately obvious. Some people may still detect sounds but struggle to understand speech, follow conversations or respond accurately to what others are saying.

The professor therefore encouraged greater awareness of hearing health and the importance of seeking professional assessment when hearing difficulties are suspected.

His warning reinforces established ear-care guidance that the ear canal should not be cleaned by inserting cotton buds or other small objects. Earwax usually moves out naturally, while problematic build-up can be assessed and treated safely by a qualified healthcare professional.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia