Ear spoon

Ear picks, also called ear scoops, or ear spoons, or earpicks, are a type of curette used to clean the ear canal of earwax (cerumen).

In Asia, these are traditionally made from bamboo or precious metals such as silver or gold, but more commonly now, from stainless steel or plastic. European ear scoops produced up to the early 19th century were made from either bronze or precious metals such as silver.

Use of ear picks to remove wax is discouraged by some health professionals for fear of damaging the ear and causing infections.

Other than the wide variety of materials used to make them, ear picks vary widely in their tips and embellishments. Disposable plastic ear picks with a cotton swab at one end are increasingly popular.

Ear picks are a commonly used item and preferred for ear wax removal in East Asia, whose dry type of ear wax can be easily removed using the tool.

It can be used individually or by another person. The person having his/her ears cleaned often lies or bends down with his/her head in the lap of the person doing the cleaning. The cleaning of ears is often performed by a parent on a child or, among adults, by one's partner. It may also be performed by professional (non-medical) ear cleaners on the streets of cities in countries such as India, China, and Vietnam.

Some individuals find ear-picking to be highly pleasurable, thus contributing to the popularity of this service being offered in Asian establishments such as massage parlors, spas, and salons.

Ear-spoons and ear picks are found dating from the post-medieval period of British history back into the Roman times. Ear-spoons have also been found in Scandinavian archeological Viking-age dig sites. Ornate ear scoops have also been found in 9th century Anglo-saxon sites.

The practice of ear picking may pose health hazards to the human ear. One potential danger is that of accidentally puncturing the eardrum and/or breaking the auditory ossicles while ear picking. Usage of unsterilized ear picks can also cause infection when they are shared among different individuals.

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Wikipedia