ENT Doctors Debunk 11 Ear And Nose Myths | Debunked

Insider Science
18 Jul 202114:45
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this informative video, Dr. Eric Voigt and Dr. Jackie Jones, both otolaryngologists, debunk common ear, nose, and throat myths. They advise against using Q-tips in the ear canal, explain the proper way to stop a nosebleed, and discuss the dangers of taping the mouth shut. They also address the misconception that bugs can easily enter ears, the risks of hearing loss from loud noises, and the importance of earwax. Additionally, they touch on the effects of COVID-19 on the sense of smell and the benefits of over-the-ear headphones for hearing health.

Takeaways
  • πŸ‘ƒ Pinching the nose bridge and tilting the head back is the incorrect way to stop a nosebleed. The correct method is to pinch the nose and lean slightly forward.
  • πŸ‘‚ Using Q-tips to clean inside the ear canal is dangerous and not recommended. It can push wax further in and damage the ear.
  • πŸ› Bugs, such as cockroaches and spiders, do not typically want to enter ears, but if they do, it can cause significant discomfort and damage to the eardrum.
  • 🚫 Taping the mouth shut is dangerous and can lead to breathing difficulties, especially if the nose is congested.
  • 🎧 Loud music is not the only cause of hearing loss; any loud noise over time can damage the inner ear cells and lead to permanent hearing loss.
  • 🏊 Swimming can cause ear infections, especially when the ear is over-cleaned, removing the protective earwax and allowing water to create a breeding ground for bacteria.
  • πŸ§ͺ Earwax is essential for ear protection and should not be completely removed. Only remove excessive wax under professional guidance.
  • πŸ‹ Loss of smell is not always temporary; it can be caused by various factors, including head injuries and COVID-19, and can be addressed with olfactory training.
  • 🎧 Both earbuds and headphones can cause hearing damage if used improperly, but over-the-ear headphones are generally safer and more comfortable.
  • πŸ”Š Noise-canceling headphones can help protect hearing by reducing the need to increase volume over ambient noise.
  • πŸ‘‚ Ear pain can be caused by various issues, not just ear infections, and may be a symptom of referred pain from other areas like the jaw or teeth.
Q & A
  • What is the correct way to stop a nosebleed according to the video?

    -To stop a nosebleed, pinch the front of your nose, the sidewall against the septum, and hold it for five minutes while staying upright and leaning slightly forward to spit out any blood that goes down the back of the throat.

  • Why is it not advisable to hold in a big sneeze?

    -Holding in a big sneeze can cause pressure to build up in the ears, throat, and lungs, as the pressure needs to be released and the reflex is to clear out the nasal passage.

  • What is the proper use of Q-tips as advised in the video?

    -Q-tips should only be used to clean the outside of the ear, specifically the pinna and the outer ear grooves, but not inserted into the ear canal to avoid pushing wax in and causing damage.

  • What are some methods to clean the ear safely as suggested by the video?

    -Safe methods include using a warm, wet washcloth to clean the outside of the ear, and using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide drops in the ear, provided there are no ear problems or holes in the ear.

  • Why do bugs not typically want to be inside a human ear?

    -Bugs such as cockroaches and spiders are private creatures and are actually afraid of humans, so they do not willingly enter the ear. However, occasionally they might wander in and get stuck.

  • What should one do if a bug enters the ear?

    -To address a bug in the ear, one should try to stay calm and put rubbing alcohol, mineral oil, or another liquid that can kill the bug into the ear, and then seek medical help for removal.

  • Why is taping your mouth shut while sleeping dangerous?

    -Taping the mouth shut can be dangerous because it obstructs breathing, especially if the nose is also congested, as it prevents the necessary airflow during sleep.

  • What are the different ways loud noise can damage hearing?

    -Loud noise can damage hearing through a sudden blast, like a firearm or firework, or through cumulative exposure to noise levels around 90 decibels or higher over time, which can harm the inner hair cells in the ear.

  • How can swimmers avoid getting ear infections?

    -To avoid swimmer's ear, one should not overclean the ears, use rubbing alcohol or vinegar diluted with water as a preventative measure after swimming, and avoid using earplugs that can create a warm, dark environment for bacteria or fungus to grow.

  • Why is earwax important and should it be removed?

    -Earwax is important as it provides a natural protection and waterproofing for the ear. It should not be completely removed; only in cases of excessive wax buildup might a doctor remove it under microscopic guidance.

  • What are the differences between earbuds and over-the-ear earphones according to the video?

    -Earbuds can push wax into the ear canal and may cause discomfort or infections due to the pressure from the plastic. Over-the-ear earphones are considered a better choice as they are more comfortable, dissipate sound more evenly, and do not push wax into the ears.

  • Why is it recommended to limit the use of earbuds?

    -It is recommended to limit the use of earbuds to prevent potential ear infections, discomfort, and wax accumulation. Using them for long periods can also cause referred pain from other areas like the jaw joint.

  • What is the significance of the sense of smell and how can it be affected by COVID-19?

    -The sense of smell is significant, and its loss can be devastating. COVID-19 can affect the olfactory nerves at the back of the nose, potentially causing temporary or permanent loss of smell.

  • How is referred pain related to ear pain?

    -Referred pain can originate from various sites in the body, including the jaw joint or throat, and can manifest as ear pain even though the ear itself may not be infected or inflamed.

  • What should one do if experiencing persistent issues with the ears, nose, throat, or head and neck?

    -If experiencing persistent issues, one should seek a checkup from an ear, nose, and throat doctor, especially if there are lumps, bumps, or pain that does not subside after two weeks, as it could indicate a serious condition.

Outlines
00:00
πŸ‘ƒ Debunking Ear, Nose, and Throat Myths

This paragraph introduces two otolaryngologists, Dr. Eric Voigt and Dr. Jackie Jones, who debunk common myths about the ear, nose, and throat. They explain that pinching the nose and tilting the head back is not the correct way to stop a nosebleed, and that using Q-tips to clean the ears can be harmful. The doctors emphasize the importance of the nose as a filter and the interconnectedness of the respiratory system. They also discuss the dangers of holding in a sneeze and the proper way to clean the ears with alternatives to Q-tips.

05:02
πŸ¦— Ear Care and Nosebleed Management

The doctors discuss various misconceptions, including the idea that bugs commonly enter ears and the incorrect method of stopping a nosebleed by tilting the head back. They explain that while bugs can occasionally wander into the ear, it's rare and can be resolved with calm measures. The correct way to stop a nosebleed is by pinching the nostrils together and leaning slightly forward to allow blood to drain, not by tilting the head back. They also address the myth of taping one's mouth shut to stop snoring and emphasize the importance of not over-cleaning the ears to prevent damage and infection.

10:02
🚫 Preventing Hearing Loss and Swimmer's Ear

In this paragraph, the doctors address the causes of hearing loss, which is not limited to loud music but includes any loud noise that can damage the ear over time. They highlight the importance of protecting one's hearing from various sources of noise pollution. Additionally, they discuss swimmer's ear, a condition that can occur from over-cleaning the ears or using earplugs that create a warm, dark environment for bacteria to thrive. The doctors suggest using rubbing alcohol or vinegar as preventive measures and emphasize the importance of not removing natural earwax, which serves as a protective barrier.

πŸ‘ƒ Loss of Smell and Ear Infections

The doctors discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the sense of smell and the concept of olfactory training to help those who have lost this sense. They also touch on the various causes of ear pain, which can be referred pain from other areas such as the jaw or throat, and not necessarily from an ear infection. The paragraph concludes with a warning against ignoring persistent symptoms related to the ears, nose, throat, or head and neck, advising people to seek medical attention for issues that last more than two weeks.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Nosebleed
A nosebleed, also known as epistaxis, is a common condition where blood flows from the nostrils. In the video, it is mentioned that the common myth of pinching the bridge of the nose and tilting the head back is incorrect. The correct method is to pinch the nostrils together and lean slightly forward to prevent blood from flowing down the throat, allowing the clotting mechanism to work.
πŸ’‘Q-tips
Q-tips, or cotton tip applicators, are small cotton swabs typically used for personal hygiene. The video script clarifies a misconception about their use, stating that while they can be used to clean the outer ear, they should not be inserted into the ear canal due to the risk of pushing wax further in and potentially causing damage.
πŸ’‘Otolaryngologist
An otolaryngologist is a physician and surgeon who specializes in diseases of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT). Dr. Eric Voigt and Dr. Jackie Jones, both otolaryngologists, are the hosts of the video, debunking myths related to ENT health and providing expert advice on various topics.
πŸ’‘Pinna
The pinna is the visible part of the ear that protrudes from the head. In the video, it is used to describe the outer ear, which is the part that can be cleaned with a cotton tip applicator, without inserting it into the ear canal.
πŸ’‘Cockroach
The video discusses the myth and reality of insects, specifically cockroaches, entering the ear. It explains that while insects are unlikely to want to enter the ear, it can happen, and if it does, it can cause significant discomfort and damage due to the insect's struggle to exit.
πŸ’‘Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is the reduction in ability to hear sound, which can be caused by loud noises. The video emphasizes that not only loud music but any loud noise can lead to hearing loss, highlighting the importance of protecting one's hearing from various sources of noise.
πŸ’‘Swimmer's Ear
Swimmer's ear, or otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal. The video explains that it can be caused by overcleaning the ear, which removes the protective wax, allowing water to become trapped and create an environment for bacteria or fungus to grow.
πŸ’‘Ear Wax
Ear wax, or cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal that helps protect the ear by waterproofing it and trapping debris. The video clarifies that ear wax is beneficial and should not be completely removed, as it serves a protective role.
πŸ’‘Olfactory Nerve
The olfactory nerve is responsible for the sense of smell. The video discusses how this nerve can be affected by COVID-19, leading to a loss of smell, and mentions olfactory training as a method to help retrain the brain to recognize smells after such loss.
πŸ’‘Earbuds
Earbuds are small earphones that fit directly into the ear canal. The video points out that while they provide good sound quality, they can also cause issues such as ear infections or wax buildup, and recommends over-the-ear headphones as a safer alternative.
πŸ’‘Referred Pain
Referred pain is a type of pain that is felt in a location other than its actual source. In the context of the video, it is mentioned that ear pain can sometimes be a result of referred pain from other areas such as the jaw joint or teeth, not necessarily from an ear infection.
Highlights

Pinching the bridge of the nose and tilting the head back is the incorrect way to stop a nosebleed.

Using Q-tips to clean the inside of the ear canal is discouraged due to the risk of pushing wax further and causing damage.

Ear cleaning should be limited to the outer portion and can be done with a warm, wet washcloth.

Bugs, such as cockroaches, can get into the ear but are unlikely and can be removed with rubbing alcohol or mineral oil.

Nosebleeds should be stopped by pinching the nostrils and leaning slightly forward to allow blood to drain.

Taping the mouth shut is dangerous as it can obstruct breathing and should never be done.

Loud noises, not just music, can cause hearing loss through both sudden blasts and cumulative exposure.

Swimmer's ear can be prevented by not overcleaning the ears and using alcohol or vinegar drops after swimming.

Earwax is essential for ear protection and should not be completely removed; only excessive wax may require medical removal.

Loss of smell can be due to various causes, including COVID-19, and can be addressed with olfactory training.

Headphones and earbuds can cause discomfort and potential ear infections, with over-the-ear options being a safer choice.

Noise-canceling headphones can help protect hearing by reducing the need to increase volume over ambient noise.

Ear pain can be caused by referred pain from other areas such as the jaw or throat, not just ear infections.

Eustachian tube problems can lead to ear pain and pressure, often experienced during air travel.

Ignoring symptoms related to the ears, nose, throat, or head and neck for more than two weeks can be risky andεΊ”εŠζ—Άζ£€ζŸ₯。

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