I would bet I'm not the only person that has a morning routine that includes grabbing a Q-Tip and cleaning out the ole' ear. But I bet I'm also not the only person that would be shocked to find out that just about everyone that grabs one of those three-inch long cotton swabs is using it incorrectly and that using a Q-Tip can be addictive.

Obviously the main reason someone would use a Q-Tip is to get rid of the build up of ear wax in the ear. Yes, it might feel good to get in there,  "root around" and clean things up, but people can actually do serious damage.

William H. Shapiro, an audiologist and a clinical associate professor from NYU Langone, believes that everyone should simply stay away from using Q-Tips! Shapiro says that Q-Tip users are actually pushing the ear wax further into the ear and up against the ear drum, not allowing it to vibrate correctly. In other words, causing your hearing to be decreased or causing hearing loss all together. Williams says that if there is a wax buildup, it's better to have a professional remove it.

It’s not a bad thing to have wax, but individuals should never take the wax out themselves.

Shapiro also states that ear wax lubricates the ear canal and protects people from insects crawling into the ear and calling it their home.

Maybe my mom was on to something when she used to tell me to not stick that Q-Tip too far in my ear. According to Shapiro's video, putting a Q-Tip anywhere except for the outermost parts of your ear can be a big detriment to your health.

And is it possible that using a Q-Tip can be addicting? YES! According to an article in the Washington Post, that itchy feeling you get in your ear is what dermatologists refer to as the itch-scratch cycle. The itch-scratch cycle can be considered an addictive behavior, because the more you use those cotton swabs, the more your ears itch and the more your ears itch, the more you use cotton swabs.

So, what did we learn by watching this video? Well, ear wax is actually good for you and you can damage your hearing if you use cotton swabs incorrectly - making Q-Tips one of the most bizarre items you can throw in your cart at the store.


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