42:I[185,["/_next/static/chunks/08z4tkzvltetr.js","/_next/static/chunks/121~yigv24_j6.js","/_next/static/chunks/0jo3du-icy6v2.js","/_next/static/chunks/15cy49d~_zsjj.js","/_next/static/chunks/0..ktetnpeix7.js","/_next/static/chunks/0_htf5~kl..m1.js","/_next/static/chunks/0i6hzvr84kc1r.js"],"SendEmailButton"] 48:I[45269,["/_next/static/chunks/08z4tkzvltetr.js","/_next/static/chunks/121~yigv24_j6.js","/_next/static/chunks/0jo3du-icy6v2.js","/_next/static/chunks/15cy49d~_zsjj.js","/_next/static/chunks/0..ktetnpeix7.js","/_next/static/chunks/0_htf5~kl..m1.js","/_next/static/chunks/0i6hzvr84kc1r.js"],"SignupCTA"] 3a:["$","time",null,{"dateTime":"2026-03-26T01:00:00.000Z","children":"March 26, 2026"}] 3b:["$","span",null,{"aria-hidden":true,"children":"·"}] 3c:["$","span",null,{"children":"00:49:18"}] 43:T429,

Your ears have a secret life: bugs, buildup, and the truth about Q-tips with infectious disease expert Dr. Steve Threlkeld.

On this episode of Oh Gross!, Dr. Steve Threlkeld joins Kara and Jennie to break down the secret life of your ears! It is all about earwax and why trying to get rid of it might be the worst thing you can do. And whatever you do… put down the Q-tip.

Plus, the ER story you won’t forget involves a live cockroach on a Saturday night.

In this episode:

What earwax really is
How one gene can determine what’s inside your ears/
The bacteria, fungi, and mold living in your ears right now
The cockroach ER story that will change how you think about your ears
When to see an ENT and when to leave it alone
The surprising link between hearing loss and dementia

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

44:T786,