Swab story
In the category of Impressive Stupidity comes this story about a man’s whose death was linked to his use of cotton swabs to clean his ears.
Apparently some dude was using cotton swabs, often referred to as “QTips,” with some intensity and managed to puncture his ear drum, which aided an infection in moving from his outer to inner ear and resulted in death.
And now a coroner wants stricter product warnings from Health Canada to prevent another swab-related fatality.
Here’s a recommendation for you: try to avoid puncturing your ear drum when cleaning your ears. Maybe stop pushing when you experience blinding pain. Maybe realize that the hole you are violently fucking with a QTip leads directly to your brain, which is a sensitive organ with many important roles in life. Some people’s brains tell them to stop poking it with a cotton swab.
We all want clean ears, but come on.
I don’t want to make fun of the guy who died. Stupid deaths are ultimately tragic. But really: do we need to place a warning on a box of cotton swabs? Have we really reached this new low in human devolution? Is the QTip Stella’s scalding hot cup of coffee?
Apparently so.
February 9th, 2008 at 1:43 am
“Q-tips” already have a warning on the box. It says “DO NOT USE SWAB IN EAR CANAL”
Some people make me sad.
Great sight, by the way. I have read it often, but this is my first post.
Your Neighbour,
Alex
February 9th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Thanks, Alex.
Now keep those QTips out of your ears. I know you’re just dying to ram one in there…
February 9th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
As a pre-emptive strike, the warning should also include “DO NOT SHOVE UP DICK HOLE”. These people need protection, i mean, if these people are lying in hospital beds, who’s left to be hit by buses?
Great site
February 10th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Good point, although the QTip up the Dink Hole Test is pretty key to the Tear It Down DIY STD Test.
I’ll send you one. Just be gentle, and exhale upon insertion.
February 11th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I aadmit. im a Q-tip addict. Ive read the warning lables, but I just cant stop.
I fell off my bike last year and had concussion. Then 3 days later I had blood dripping inside my ear. I thought my brain was leaking! I went to the doc and it was just my eager Q-Tip ear cavity cleaning.
Its true! be carefull!
February 11th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Z, I’ve rammed many a QTip in there too, so I’m not completely innocent either. That said, I’ve always tried to remember that my brain is ultimately more important than my hygiene.
Good luck kicking the habit.