We still cal them similar in Lithuania, literal translation would be something like "hygienic earpick" (like toothpick). Actually, only after reading this artic

We still cal them similar in Lithuania, literal translation would be something like "hygienic earpick" (like toothpick). Actually, only after reading this article I realized they are not for cleaning your ears. I don't use Q-tips to remove wax from the ear canal, but I use them to dry my ears after taking a bath. Though, I still believe it's a legitimate use as going out with your ears dry is much riskier to catch fever imho.