22. You’ve Been Warned
It seems like common sense to keep foreign objects out of our ears, but surprisingly, doctors continually find themselves advising patients against inserting objects like cotton swabs, keys, or even hairpins into their ears. The reason for this persistent need for caution is rooted in the delicate nature of the ear.
The ear canal is a sensitive, intricate structure, and attempts to clean it with objects can lead to serious consequences, including earwax impaction, injury to the delicate skin or eardrum, and even infections. Unfortunately, the desire to relieve itching, remove earwax, or simply satisfy curiosity prompts people to disregard this advice.