There is a multitude of myths surrounding common ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions that cause unnecessary anxiety among patients and their families. ENT is a branch of medicine that focuses on disorders of your ear, nose, throat, and head and neck. It is also called otolaryngology.

Erich P. Voigt, MD, clinical associate professor in the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, is featured on Science Insider’s “Debunked” series to set the record straight on 11 myths about the ear and nose. He talks about how to properly stop a nosebleed, clean your ears, and protect yourself from hearing loss.

He also explains why earwax is good for your ears. “It has antimicrobial properties that protect the inside of your ears. In fact, over-cleaning can cause swimmer’s ear,” says Dr. Voigt.

Watch and read more from Science Insider’s “Debunked”.