It can be tempting to prod your ears in a bid to shift wax.

But touching your ear with long, fake nails could cause a nasty bacterial infection that can even trigger tinnitus, an audiologist has warned.

While anyone who touches their ear with unwashed hands is at risk of infection, those with extended nails are especially vulnerable. 

'Long or false acrylic nails can be the worst culprit when it comes to the transfer of bacteria as they provide more surface area for bacteria and fungi to accumulate,' warned Hannah Samuels, an audiologist at Boots Hearingcare.

What's more, the 'long, sharp' digits can damage delicate tissues of the ear canal by creating small abrasions, she added.

'These tiny cuts then become entry points for bacteria or fungi, increasing your risk of infection.'

Bacterial or fungal infections trigger swelling in the eustachian tube — the narrow pathway that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and helps drain fluid.

This can cause a build-up of fluid and ear wax that causes temporary hearing loss and tinnitus, according to Ms Samuels.

Tinnitus affects up to ten million sufferers in the UK and involves hearing noises like hissing, ringing or buzzing that do not come from an outside source.

Around 500,000 in the UK have a 'debilitating' version of the condition, research suggests, which leaves them unable to work and sleep.

For those with irritated ears, alternative lower risk methods of ear cleaning do exist, Ms Samuels said. 

'When you’re in the shower or having a bath, gently wash the external part of your ears with some soap and warm water. 

'For a more thorough clean, use a damp washcloth to gently wipe the outer ear,' she added.

'This can help to soften the wax in your ears, making it easier for it to move naturally towards the ear opening as part of the self-cleaning process. 

'Making this a regular routine should be enough to maintain cleanliness.'  

However, some people suffer from a build-up of wax, which can be down to having narrow or damaged ear canals, lots of hair in the ears, a skin condition, hearing aids or inflammation of the canal. 

For these people, ENT UK, the membership organisation representing ear, nose and throat surgery, recommends using two to three drops of olive oil once a week to soften ear wax and help it come out.

If earwax is very hard, it advises people to use sodium bicarbonate drops, which can be bought from pharmacies for around £4.

Some GP practices can remove wax by flushing it out with water, known as ear irrigation, or sucking it out through microsuction. 

However, the NHS warns that patients may have to pay for this privately after the service was withdrawn in parts of the country in 2019.

Around 2.3million people require earwax treatment per year, with most patients being hearing aid users, elderly or suffering from a learning disability, according to the NHS. 

This is not the first time experts have warned of the dangers of long, fake nails made with acrylic or gel substances.

Dermatologists have previously warned they are seeing an increase in the number of people developing 'life-changing' allergies triggered by gel nail polishes, which can stop them having some operations like cataracts, joint replacement or dental work.

The chemicals in gel nail polishes, known as methacrylates, can cause an allergic reaction if they leak into the skin, which can see nails loosen and the skin develop a severe, itchy rash.

Those who suffer this reaction are then unable to tolerate being exposed to the chemical, which is used in routine procedures such as fillings and hip replacements.

At-home gel manicures are the most likely culprit for triggering the painful reaction.

This is caused by the ultraviolet lamp that hardens polish not being used for long enough. 

But even salon nail treatments can pose a risk if the technician is poorly-trained.

Symptoms include the nails loosening and falling off, sores appearing on fingers and red and swollen cuticles. 

It can also trigger severe rash on the face, the neck, the upper chest. Simply brushing your nails against your arms or touching your face can cause symptoms to spread to those areas.

Daily Mail