The use of cotton buds inside ears has widely been condemned worldwide by otolaryngologists. This is due to well documented complications including trauma, impacted ear wax, infection, and retention of the cotton bud.1 The most common mode of accidental penetrating ear injury in children is cotton-bud induced.2 Trends in cotton-bud usage have been studied previously, but have only focused on ear, nose, and throat (ENT) patients.3 In recent times, manufacturers have heeded the advice of the otolaryngologist and have consequently relayed warnings to the public. We conducted a survey to investigate the extent of ‘Q-tip’ cotton …