In the 1950s, Hollywood insider Ern Westmore wrote a "Lesson in Loveliness" about these things.  
In the 1950s, Hollywood insider Ern Westmore wrote a "Lesson in Loveliness" about these things.  Writing for Wonkblog, Roberto A. Ferdman claimed that these products were "the most bizarre thing people buy".  These "medical devices" were invented by Leo Gerstenzang, who had observed his wife making one from a toothpick. Gerstenzang's boric-acid coated product was, unlike modern ones, only single sided.  In 2008, this product was labeled an "inappropriate or harmful invention" by the America Academy of (*) Otolaryngology.  They were once called Baby Gays.  After suffering a bout of OCD, Hannah Horvath has to go the hospital because she hears "air hiss out of the hole" when improperly using one of these products on Girls.  The manufacturer of this product conspicuously doesn't reference its popular use on ears on its website.  For 10 points, name this brand of cotton swab.
In the 1950s, Hollywood insider Ern Westmore wrote a "Lesson in Loveliness" about these things.  
Q-tip [accept cotton swab before the end; accept Baby Gays before mentioned] 