The wrong way to remove ear wax
It would be so much easier if we could just lift the top of the head and use a bottle brush! Unfortunately with ears it’s not that easy - one needs a microscope and light and a good level of experience to know what you are looking at and how to approach the job.
Even Anne, our ear nurse practitioner, without thinking, scratched her ear some years back, which resulted in full-on outer ear infection - nasty, painful and unnecessary!
These are all the wrong ways to clear your ears:
Keys, pens, screwdriver etc - dirty and sharp
Cotton bud - this will result in the wax being pushed deep in the canal and/or onto the Tympanic membrane (ear drum). They often break-off and remain lodged in the ear.
Finger or finger nail - bacteria can enter a break in the skin – infection can easily occur.
Water syringing - pressure in the canal can cause irritation and pain. Wax can be forced onto the ear drum, it’s a messy and time consuming process. But most of all, if you have every suffered an ear drum perforation (a whole in the ear drum) or have scarring on the ear drum from repetitive ear infections pressure in this area is definitely is no advised as the membrane is likely to be compromised already!
Micro suction is the safe way to remove wax from your ears, enquire today.
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
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Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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