Nothing wrecks a day more completely than a full blown ear infection. The puffing, the ringing, the aching. And one gadget that reduced the incessant ear infections I experienced between age six and, um, about five years ago, is the coolio Ear Dryer.

Like a tightly focused hair dryer, the tiny stream of hot air eradicates moisture inside the ear. Why exactly air blasted down the ear canal and tympanic membrane after a shower makes any difference, I have never understood. What I do know is since using it I’ve only had one ear infection, compared with about six ( or more ) a year every year for the last . . . mumble, mumble . . . years.

Recently, the Ear Dryer stopped holding its charge. Seconds after turning on the device, the once reliable motor whirred, sighed and gasped. A quick hunting trip on the Internets, a twelve dollar battery and viola!

Once again, I’m pumping myself with hot air.

This entry is dedicated to the memory of Billy Mays. Sell on, you Harbinger of Infotainment, you!

Photo courtesy Baybeh 9700.