Doctor, doctor

Dr Rosemary Leonard MBE is a GP with many years’ experience working in London’s top teaching hospitals

Can ear buds be a cause of ear infections?

With more people wearing ear buds, ear infections have become more common. They can block the outer ear canal, leading to a build-up of wax and moisture – a breeding ground for bacteria. The resulting infection, called otitis externa, can result in soreness

and an unpleasant discharge.

If you have an infection, don’t wear ear buds for at least a week after it’s cleared up. And clean the buds once a week with an alcohol wipe.

Contact Dr Leonard at S Magazine, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AP, or email dr.leonard@ express.co.uk. Dr Leonard regrets that she cannot reply personally to letters. Read her column every Tuesday in the Daily Express