Why is it that every time I clean my left ear, I feel the need to cough?

Question

Seriously!

Every single time! It feels like something is stuck in my throat or something.

Is my ear defective?!

lol jk. But still wtf?

Answer 1

I dont know, but it sounds funny!

Answer 2

thats kinda normal. either you are swabing too hard or your ear is too dry.

Answer 3

I dont know why, but the same thing happens to me! at least you are not alone :)

Answer 4

ha ha ha, this question made my day...

please help meh?

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 5

Stop smoking while you do it...

Seriously tho, the inside (not the bit you're cleaning) of the ear has a connecting tube which exits at the back of your throat. It acts like a drain for the inner ear, and also allows pressure to escape. That's why if you hold you nose, clamp your lips shut, and blow - your ears will pop. Same thing happens as you go up and down a big hill, or in an aircraft, or underwater.

Somehow, what you're doing on the outside part of the ear is stimulating a nerve ending on the inside, or changing the pressure balance - and the part of the tube at the back of your throat is irritated by it. Kinda like a knee-jerk reaction, only in your throat! The connecting tube is called the Eustachian Tube and they can become blocked - particularly in kids - requiring rubber 'grommets' to keep them open.

By the way - never stick anything smaller than your elbow in your ear. Don;t use cue-tips or anything else. Nothing should touch the ear drum. All you will do is spread the wax over the drum, where it will dry, harden and shrink. Problem!!!

Go to the doc or nurse who will squirt warm water in there to clean it out safely, painlessly, and harmlessly. Just makes a lot of noise!  

Answer 6

I dont know the exact answer... but it is common for a lot of people. It happens when you stick the Q-Tip in your ear to far.

Answer 7

hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

omgsh! thats soo weird,beacuse

the same thing happends to me!!!!!   omgsh if i knew you you would be my like best friend lolol.

Answer 8

proably. i think you're dying.

jk... no, it's probably just psychological (haha... i had to get help spelling that...).

Answer 9

I get that often, too. It's a mystery, except if you ask a doctor.