Discomforting sensations associated with self-induced ear care experiences among patients visiting the ear, nose, and throat clinic in Ghana.

Self-induced ear care is considered a bad practice and is associated with several complications. Usually, it consists of activities and habits that an individual adopts with the view of self-treating and maintaining the cleanliness of the ears. Most patients in Ghana who report to the hospital with ear conditions often mention self-initiated ear care at home prior to their hospital visit. It is a worry due to the impact on an individual's hearing and overall quality of life. This study, therefore, aimed to explore and describe the self-induced ear care experiences among patients who access services at an Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic in Ghana. The study used an exploratory descriptive qualitative design among patients who have been practising self-induced ear care and patients who have experienced or are experiencing complications from self-induced ear care. Upon the consent of participants, interviews were conducted and audio-recorded. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. The study findings revealed that when participants encountered an ear problem, they preferred engaging in self-induced ear care based on their intentions, beliefs and evaluation of the consequences of their actions. They were poking the ears with their fingers, using safety/hair pins, chicken features, broomsticks, herbs, Dr. Côte d'Ivoire ointment, and cotton wool rather than reporting to the hospital. However, they became reoriented, dissociating themselves from self-induced ear care after encountering complications associated with it and gaining insight into the cause of their condition. In conclusion, stakeholders should sensitise the public to the dangers of self-induced ear care and develop educational strategies to address the knowledge gap and promote positive health-seeking behaviour towards all ear problems.