Ear pick
Ear pick
Ear pick (pronunciation: /ɪər pɪk/), also known as ear scoop or ear spoon, is a tool used for the removal of earwax, or cerumen, from the ear canal.
Etymology
The term "ear pick" is derived from the Old English words 'ēare', meaning 'ear', and 'pician', meaning 'to pick'. The term "ear scoop" and "ear spoon" are self-explanatory, referring to the tool's shape and its function.
Usage
Ear picks are commonly used in many East Asian countries, including Japan, China, and Korea. They are typically made from bamboo, metal, or plastic, and some are even adorned with decorative handles. The use of ear picks is often considered a personal grooming routine, similar to nail clipping or hair brushing.
Risks
While ear picks can be effective in removing earwax, they also pose potential risks. Improper use can lead to injury, including perforation of the eardrum, infection, and impaction of earwax. For this reason, many healthcare professionals advise against the use of ear picks and recommend safer methods of earwax removal, such as over-the-counter ear drops or professional ear cleaning by a healthcare provider.
Related Terms
- Cerumen: The medical term for earwax, a substance produced by glands in the ear canal to protect the ear from dust, foreign particles, and microorganisms.
- Otoscope: A medical device used by healthcare professionals to examine the ear and detect conditions such as ear infections and impacted earwax.
- Otitis media: An infection or inflammation of the middle ear, often caused by bacteria or viruses.
- Tympanic membrane: The medical term for the eardrum, a thin membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear and vibrates in response to sound waves.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ear pick
- Wikipedia's article - Ear pick
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