Never stick anything smaller than elbow in ear?

Answer 1

"Never stick anything smaller than elbow in ear" is meant as a humorous / funny reminder that nothing small should ever be put into the ear canal, not even Q-tips. Yes, most people grow up with a parent using a Q-tip to clean the ear canals, butit is an unsafe method. Other children see a mom or aunt using a bobby-pin, or a dad or uncle using a toothpick to "dig" out ear wax. But NONE of these are safe. The danger is that the item (even a soft Q-tip end) can damage or puncture the tympanic membrane - or ear drum. Therefore, "nothing smaller than an elbow" should be put in the ear. Since the elbow bone is fairly large, there is absolutely nothing that should be stuck into the inner ear canal.

Answer 2

That is the doctor's little joke, meaning that it is best not to PUT ANYTHING in your ear. That is the province of the doctor.