Should You Use Q-Tips? Earwax, Hearing Checks & Hearing Protection
with Tony Johns · Hearing instrument specialist, Boise Hears, Meridian

Tony Johns of Boise Hears on the quiet signs it's time for a hearing check, why cotton swabs are a bad idea, protecting your hearing at the range and on the job, and how to help a loved one who keeps saying "What?"
- 0:00Welcome
- 1:28Choosing a hearing care provider
- 3:19Why Tony got into hearing care
- 4:55Hearing instrument specialist vs. audiologist vs. ENT
- 6:39Signs it's time for a hearing check
- 8:33Q-tips & earwax
- 9:36Hearing protection for hunters & first responders
- 10:57Helping a loved one in denial
- 13:06Hearing your family again
- 14:30Wrap-up
For general information, not a substitute for advice from your own doctor.
The guest
Booking details, hours and his full background live on his profile.
Clips from this episode
Under a minute each, cut straight from the interview.
ShortsShould you put Q-tips in your ears?
Why cotton swabs push wax deeper, and what to use at home instead.
ShortsHunters & shooters: protect your hearing
Wear hearing protection every time, even if it's just foamies plus earmuffs.
ShortsSigns it's time for a hearing check
Turning the TV up, asking people to repeat themselves, ringing in your ears.
ShortsWhen a loved one swears their hearing is fine
Hearing loss is a shared challenge: bring it up with empathy.
Every clip links back to the full conversation.
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Transcript
A reviewed transcript of this episode will appear here. Until then, the chapters above let you jump to each part of the conversation.
