Do Chemist Assistants know what a Eustachian Tube is?

Paul_Varjak

I went to two chemists this evening asking for something to unblock my Eustachian Tube. At both chemists, the assistants recommended ear wax remover!

Now, my rather basic knowledge of anatomy tells me that the Eustachian Tube runs from the middle ear to the pharynx. Just how (& why) would any Chemist's assistant suggest putting ear wax remover (into the outer ear presumbly - cos that is really the only point of entry) to cure a problem in the Eustachian Tube?

The connection between the outer ear and the Eustachian Tube is blocked by the ear drum, is it not? So how would the ear wax remover reach the Eustachian Tube? And I am sure I have no ear wax in the Eustachian Tube anyway!

End of rant!

dmg24

A 'Chemist Assistant' could be someone who is fully trained in pharmacy, or a sales assistant. It sounds like you spoke to the latter. If so, they should not be recommending products without referring to the pharmacist.

Paul_Varjak

Yes, I entirely agree. But, at both chemists, I had to ask to see the pharmacist and I only did this after receiving the incorrect advice!

I am a mystery shoppe too at both these chemists - if I had such a question to pose during a mystery shopping trip, the report would not have been a good one!