Mommy Dearest,
I've been noticing a little earwax in my 3-month-old daughter's ears. Is it OK to clean it out with a Q-Tip?
— Wax Woes
To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more
It is now official, you shouldn't clean your ears with a Q-tip. The American Academy of Otolaryngology, aka physicians who specialize in treating issues involving the ear, nose and throat (ENT), have issued clinical guidelines about cleaning your ears. To put it simply, don't stick anything in your ear that is smaller than your elbow.
Earwax, although not so attractive, is important to the health of your ears. The wax is a self-cleaning agent that also has protective properties. However, if the wax buildup causes hearing loss or pain, you should see a doctor to have it removed. Do not attempt to fish out that wax on your own. The ENTs also stress that Q-tips should never be put in the ear canal. Other home remedies this physicians' group strongly recommend avoiding involve using Waterpiks to irrigate your own ear canal and ear candles.
I must admit that even though I have been schooled by many a doctor friend about the hazards of Q-tips, I still occasionally use them. What about you . . .
The dude in the background, caught doing something downright despicable, is in the running to be Australia's next Prime Minister. I hear he's really "hungry" for the win, but seriously, he should draw the line somewhere.
