Doctor extracts 4 moldy earplug chunks from man’s ear canal

Doctor extracts 4 moldy earplug chunks from man’s ear canal

2026-11-02

If you wear ear-plugs to bed, remember to take them out fully in the morning. One 60-year-old man in Taoyuan apparently forgot to do so, and ended up with four earplug chunks stuck inside his ears. The man initially thought he had hearing loss, as he has gradually lost hearing over the course of six months. It was only when he went to the doctor, that he found out it was all because his ears were blocked. You can imagine his joy when he realized he could still hear perfectly fine. Let’s hear more.

Lee Tien-hsien
ENT doctor
Every time he took his earplugs out, he didn’t check to see if they were still in one piece. So some fragments ended up lodged inside his ear canal. Having the pieces in there naturally impaired his hearing. The further in they are pushed, the harder they are to remove. They could even seal off the ear canal fully, which may cause a fungal infection.

The doctor pulled out several orangey-yellow earplug chunks out of the patient’s ear with a forceps. The patient says he had been suffering from severe hearing loss for nearly six months, and only went to the doctor due to his wife’s insistence. It turns out that the earplugs he wore to bed to block out his wife’s snoring were the root of the problem. It was quite a gruesome procedure, as the earplugs appeared to be moldy after staying in the ear for suck a long time. To avoid problems, doctors suggest checking earplugs for damage every time, and avoid pushing them too deep inside the canal.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#earplug #hearingloss #snoring #gross #doctor

嫌妻子打呼! 塞耳塞竟忘了拿出男雙耳卡4耳塞聽力下降達半年

2026-11-02

桃園有名60歲患者，因聽力下降就醫，沒想到醫生接連在他兩隻耳朵，取出四個耳塞殘骸，連醫生都說，這真的是頭一次遇到。當耳塞全部取出後，患者大聲的說"都聽到了"。

[[耳鼻喉科醫師李典憲]]
“他每次在拿下耳塞的時候，都沒有去檢查這個耳塞的一個狀況，所以就不小心有一些殘留一些耳塞在耳道裡。耳塞堵在裡面，那當然第一個聽力就會下降，推得更進去，然後更挖不出來，而且反而容易造成在耳道裡面形成密閉腔，產生耳黴菌症的狀況，可能會發生。”

醫生從病患耳中，夾出一個橘黃色物體，竟然是一個耳塞。連病患自己都覺得很不可思議。這名患者，近半年，聽力嚴重下降，被老婆逼著就醫，搞了半天，才發現禍首是耳塞，為何會有耳塞，因為他嫌妻子睡覺打呼太吵。不過看看取出的耳塞殘骸，畫面有點可怕，上頭疑似都已經發霉了。醫生提醒，取出時要留意有無破損、要注意清潔、避免推得太深。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週一至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

Related News

TLC and Nippon Zoki sign NT$6.5B contract for osteoarthritis drug

Taiwan and Japan ties just got stronger! Taiwanese biotech company, TLC produced a brand new injection called TLC599, to treat osteoarthritis pain. On Thursday, a partnership ceremony was held with Japanese pharma company, Nippon Zoki. The exclusive licensing agreement between the two companies is worth approximately NT$6.5 billion. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Health and several representatives from the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association.

Taiwan and Japan’s medical partnership grows stronger. TLC and Nippon Zoki announced a new agreement on the drug TLC599, bringing a new treatment option to treat osteoarthritis pain in Japanese patients.

Several Japan-Taiwan representatives attended the event as well as Taiwan’s Minister of Health Shih Chung-liang. They witnessed the signing of the exclusive licensing agreement which is worth around NT$6.5 billion. This collaboration with a 90-year-old Japanese company will promote the treatment in Japan.

George Yeh
CEO of TLC
Nippon Zoki actually focuses on pain and joints. There’s also a very good sales channel for the product, which will let TLC599 enter the Japanese market faster.

Takafumi Konishi
President & CEO of Nippon Zoki
In Japan’s aging society there are many patients who deeply suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee. We hope that from today onwards, we can use all our efforts to contribute to this field. We want to thank everyone who made this contract signing possible.

The health condition of osteoarthritis doesn’t just affect the elderly; it also affects many middle-aged and young adults. Statistics show that there are over 25 million patients in Japan who are over 40-years-old, from which 8 million experience painful symptoms, which could limit daily walking to basic activities ultimately affecting their quality of life.

George Yeh
CEO of TLC
Japan’s medical market, is around the 10th biggest in the world, so this is a very good benchmark to see if this product could have a breakthrough in European or American markets as well.

The TLC599, beyond relieving pain for patients suffering from osteoarthritis, also promotes transnational cooperation, strengthening ties between Taiwan and Japan.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#medical #tlc599 #osteoarthritis #TLC #japan #nipponzaki #taiwanmedicine

2026-11-02

Painted sidewalks separating traffic reduce accidents by 25%

To improve traffic flow and make the streets safer for pedestrians, the Kaohsiung Transportation Bureau has begun painting dedicated walkways in areas with heavy traffic and no physical sidewalks. Using bright green paint and clear text separating pedestrians from traffic, people report feeling safer without vehicles darting around them. Data kept by the city show that the design reduces vehicle speeds by 10%, and cuts accidents by 25%.

The area near Zuoying HSR Station is always crowded with pedestrian and vehicle traffic, especially during rush hour on weekdays. But now, as pedestrians step onto Chongxin Road, they see an expanse of bright green pavement, clearly labeled to say it’s a sidewalk. When walking here, they won’t encounter oncoming traffic.

- We definitely need a sidewalk, because the traffic is very...
- There’s a lot of cars?
- Yeah, yeah.

Member of public
Pedestrian
It offers protection to pedestrians, which is great. Sometimes people park all over the place. But this protects the people walking. It’s a very nice idea.

Member of public
Pedestrian
It’s certainly safer. With this, cars and scooters won’t park wherever they want.

By painting the pavement to delineate vehicle and pedestrian zones, installing posts at corners to keep cars out, reminding drivers to be vigilant, and using parking spaces as a buffer, it gives pedestrians an added layer of security.

So far, Kaohsiung has painted 159 sections stretching for 18.1 kilometers. 35 of these sites are by schools.

Huang Jung-hui
Kaohsiung Transportation Bureau deputy director
When painting sidewalks, we study a few key areas, like schools, transit hubs, stations, hospitals, and markets. After making the improvements, we found that vehicles will slow down by about 10% when passing by these zones. Comparing traffic data on Chongxin Road from before and after the improvements, overall accidents decreased by about 25%.

Simply by painting the pavement green for pedestrians can provide everyone with a safer path to wherever they’re going.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#pedestrians #pedestriansafety #trafficsafety #sidewalks #Kaohsiung #ZuoyingHSR #urbanplanning

2026-11-02

DPP lawmakers propose bill to deter illegal high tech exports

A smuggling scandal rocked Taiwan earlier this year, after it came to light that Supermicro servers equipped with advanced Nvidia chips were sold illegally to China. The incident came as Taiwan looked to strengthen cooperation with the US on export controls. DPP lawmakers are now proposing amendments to the Trade Act. The goal is to deter further incidents with tougher penalties and an explicit export ban on designated semiconductors, critical materials and components to China. A public hearing on the proposal was held on Monday, with the attendance of several experts. Let’s hear more.

Chung Chia-pin
Legislator (DPP)
Controls on strategic high-tech goods need to be adjusted to respond to the evolving situation.

Wang Kuo-chen
Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research
Changes in semiconductor security and resilience are increasingly fast. We need regulations that can respond more quickly to developments, while emphasizing cooperation between Taiwan and the US. This cooperation could eventually expand to Southeast Asia, as well as Japan and South Korea.

Lin Hsiu-min
International investment consultant
Our export control regulations are actually far behind international standards, particularly those of the US. In the US, violating export controls is punishable with up to 20 years in prison, whereas in Taiwan, the maximum is just five years.

Lin Chin-fu
NTHU Institute of Law for Science and Technology
If fines cannot be adjusted based on the value of the goods involved, the deterrent effect may be limited. The current legislation also fails to incorporate the concept of technology itself, with regulations still largely focused on controlling physical goods.

Exporting or importing strategic high-tech goods to or from restricted destinations can carry prison sentences of up to 5 years and fines of up to NT$3 million. The proposed amendments would increase the maximum sentence to 10 years, with fines ranging from NT$5 million to NT$10 million. Lawmakers and experts hope the revisions will help safeguard Taiwan’s technological advantage while also addressing US efforts to curb China’s access to advanced technology.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#taiwan #china #exports #us #hightech

2026-11-02

Doctor punched bloody by man unhappy with mother’s recovery

An orthopedic doctor was beaten black and blue by a man who was unhappy with his mother’s post-surgery recovery. The incident happened last week at a hospital in Kaohsiung. Police were called to the scene and took the assailant away, who was been referred for investigation for violations of the Medical Care Act. His punches left the doctor with several face injuries and a concussion. Let’s hear from the doctor.

Voice of orthopedic doctor
Was punched by man
He suddenly snapped, hurled insults at me and started throwing punches. He hit me at least five or six times. I was backed into a corner, but he still wouldn’t let up and kept punching me in the face. Even with so many people trying to restrain him, he just wouldn’t stop attacking me. And to make matters worse, my own parents happened to be at the clinic that day for my outpatient consultation. They saw what was happening from outside and were in tears.

Chien Chun-cheng
Police officer
Police arrested the suspect, surnamed Pan, at the scene. The case has been referred to the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office for investigation on suspicion of violating the Medical Care Act and assault.”

Member of public
Disturbed by incident
We, as a society, should have zero tolerance for things like this.

Member of public
Outraged
It’s outrageous. He could have just talked it out. There was no need for violence.

Security cameras captured the moment that staff escorted the man out of the consultation room. But even after police arrived, he continued trying to resist. Inside the consultation room, the beating left the doctor bloodied, with face masks and tissues stained red. He suffered abrasions and contusions to his forehead, nose, and upper and lower lips, bruising beneath his right eye, as well as a concussion. Commenters say the man’s behavior was absolutely unacceptable; after all, the doctor was just doing his job. Now, he’ll be facing legal consequences for his violent outburst.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#doctor #orthopedic #medicine #care #hospital

2026-11-02

Former President Tsai tells Shen to rest and takes over his speech

On Sunday evening, Puma Shen, who is running for Taipei Mayor, gave a speech in Daan and Wenshan inviting former president Tsai Ing-wen to join him. As the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, Tsai praised Shen during her remarks saying that she sees many reassuring qualities in Shen and encourages everyone to vote for him on Nov. 28. She later posted a meme of the two that she recreated, where she is smacking him on the back, scolding him to rest more!

Surrounded by supporters, Puma Shen, slowly makes his way to Daan Forest Park, the entrance is just 300m but it still takes him 21 minutes to cross it. The view from above is even more stunning, the park is filled, but the hundreds packed inside aren’t just there to see him.

The moment former president, Tsai Ing-wen stepped on stage, the crowd went wild and the air filled with deafening cheers.

- Thank you everyone
- Okay, I will begin speaking now

As the crowds went ballistic, Tsai attempted to calm them down; so that she could finally express that after seeing Shen’s debate she felt that he had many reassuring qualities.

Tsai Ing-wen
Former President
Puma Shen also has many reassuring qualities; he always confronts attacks head-on and uses warmth to counter darkness. Voting isn’t out of hatred for someone, it’s also not about teaching someone a lesson, it’s about the future we want, and choosing whatever is closest to the way of life you want.

During the 2020 presidential elections, Tsai led all of Taipei City except for Wenshan District. With Shen’s popularity, Taipei’s blue skies could turn into a green land.

- In the 2020 presidential elections, if you voted for Tsai Ing-wen, please raise your hand
- Yes
- For those who voted for Tsai Ing-wen, on Nov 28, please give your vote to Puma Shen, okay?
- Okay

Chuang Jui-hsiung
DPP Caucus
Former president Tsai earned more than 50% of the vote both times in Taipei, this shows that Taipei is not the home of any political party.

Tsai’s post also had some humor, she copied a meme where she pats Shen’s back telling him to rest. Xavier Chang, Secretary-General of the Executive Yuan left a comment saying “I’m waiting for Shen to reply to this in the middle of the night.” Shen’s campaign manager, Rosalia Wu commented as well saying, “If he still doesn’t listen, then I can’t do anything.”

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
She kept saying that only she would speak, she told me to not speak, because she thinks that I really need to rest.

A lot of people believe Shen should be resting, even the former president was prompted to comment, let’s wait and see if Shen will actually abide by these instructions.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#elections #沈伯洋 #dpp #kmt #taipei

2026-11-02

Illegal taxi driver high on zombie vapes while picking up passengers

Imagine getting into a car, only to realize the driver is so high on drugs he can barely hold his phone steady! That’s exactly what happened to a passenger in Kaohsiung, who had called an unlicensed ride and quickly noticed the driver’s hands shaking uncontrollably. The passenger quickly called the police, who discovered that the drier was under the influence of zombie vape drugs.

The passenger was telling the driver his destination, when he realized the driver’s hands were so shaky that he could barely hold his phone.

In a sudden rage, the passenger told the driver to get out of the car, and called the police.

The incident happened in Kaohsiung’s Zuoying District. The driver was 23-year-old Mr. Ting, who was caught drugged behind the wheel by his passengers in an unlicensed car. When police arrived, the driver handed them an etomidate cartridge, colloquially known as zombie vape juice. A blood test later turned out positive for the drug.

Lee Hsiu-ling
Police officer
The case was referred to the Ciaotou District Prosecutors Office for investigation on suspicion of endangering public safety and violating the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act. The driver faces a NT$150,000 fine for drug-impaired driving. The vehicle was immediately impounded and confiscated, while the driver’s license was revoked and the vehicle’s license plates were confiscated.

The passenger barely avoided a trip with a drugged driver and posted about the incident online.

Member of public
Would see red flag
If his hands were shaking like that, I’d be concerned about it affecting the driving. I would keep a close eye.

Member of public
Would call police
I’d probably say, sorry and ask him to drop me off there and then. I’d call the police.

Zombie vape incidents have captured headlines in recent months. This time, the protagonist was an illegal cabbie who even tried to pick up passengers. Fortunately, the passenger quickly realized something was wrong and called the police to intervene and avoid a potentially disastrous outcome.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#zombie #vape #taxi #cabbie #driver

2026-11-02

Locals bring tent to relax right next to train tracks in Alishan

Outside of conventional hotels, camping is popular among travelers that want to unwind and spend their time off. Irrespective of how exaggerated it may be, some travelers brought along a tent to Alishan and decided to set it up alongside the train tracks, seemingly oblivious to possible danger. Parallel to this, Kaohsiung also saw some locals who brought along an entire mattress to enjoy the seaside, turning the outdoors into their bedroom.

When the driver turned the corner, he suddenly noticed there were some travelers with a tent camping beside the tracks. Drawing closer to them, he saw they were situated just 1 meter or so from the tracks. If they were not careful when the train passed by, there could be a serious accident.

Member of Public
Appalled at the tent
It’s not just dangerous, it’s over the top.

Member of public
Worries for the child
This is really overdoing it, bringing a child along; it’s setting a problematic example.

Around noon on Sunday, a train was heading from Chiayi to Alishan on Alishan’s Forest Railway. When approaching Erwanping Station, the driver and several passengers noticed a rather extreme situation which not only violated the law but was very concerning. The station immediately sent personnel to urge the campers to leave and took photos for the police to sort the matter out.

Chou Heng-kai
Deputy Director of Alishan Forestry and Railway Office
People and vehicles cannot trespass onto the train tracks, the punishment is NT$10,000 to NT$50,000.

Kaohsiung’s Sizihwan also saw travelers setting up tables and chairs to look at the sea, but one in a particularly humorous spirit brought an entire mattress to enjoy the view.

He even brought a blanket to enjoy the night view, which many found hilarious.

Member of public
Doesn’t see an issue
So many people are even making tea and listening to music, and many will even bring lights. Bringing a mattress is a little too much.

Member of public
Believes it impedes others
He may be comfortable but people that are walking past might not be.

One brought a tent to camp next to the train tracks and the other brought an entire mattress to the seaside, it seems that Taiwanese have bizarre ideas on how to spend their days off, each one more ridiculous than the previous. It is crucial to remind the public to look out for their safety, and avoid turning a moment of fun into a tragedy.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#alishan #chiayi #kaohsiung #sizihwan #taiwanrailway #ridiculous

2026-11-02

Swimmer and wushu practitioner bear flag for Taiwan at Dakar 2026

2026-11-02

Wildlife photographer captures monkey heaven on Huoyan Mountain

2026-11-02