I bought a $40 earwax camera and I keep finding reasons to use it

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a favorite resource on Google.

I have a lot of tools, but I think the weirdest one is an earwax removal camera I bought a few years ago. It cost less than $20, and it was a great test camera for going into various locations (it was actually my second device because I dropped the power station on the first one).

I mean, the camera is made for earholes, but I used mine for everything but ears — to find bolts to throw away in the engine bay, to peek inside misbehaving gadgets, or to get an idea of ​​places where my big head can’t fit.

Also: The weirdest tool I have with me is a very useful one (and it’s only $6 on Amazon)

However, there was a limit. It was just a camera on a stick. While I was able to get the device to work most of the time, the times when I couldn’t was frustrating. So, I’ve been looking for an earwax removal camera with a flexible head.

That’s where I found the Bebird Earsight Plus D39R.

See what’s best for you

Bebird’s tagline is “See the best in you.”

Also: The top 10 best-selling student gadgets that shocked our editor (especially No. 7)

Now, I’ve seen a lot of things in my time, and I’ll admit that the inside of someone’s ear isn’t the best idea, but to each their own. For the amazing brands out there, the device even comes with camera adapters for your nose, teeth, or throat.

There is also a wide range of tools included to deal with earwax and other body substances. These devices attach securely to the camera, so they shouldn’t cause additional ear, nose, or throat problems.

But don’t worry — I won’t show anything like physical details here. My main reason for buying this device is that it is a waterproof, dustproof camera on the end of a flexible stick, which I can use as a test tool.

Proper development

It is a great tool. The unit is well-built and has an IP67 rating, which means it repels dust, rain, splashes, and accidental submersion (though you should avoid complete submersion). The soft polymer coating not only makes the device easy to clean, but also provides durability against the inevitable drops.

The camera is recharged via a USB-C port on the end. A full charge (which takes about 50 minutes) gives the camera more than an hour of operating time. When stored in its place, the unit also seems to hold up well.

Also: This little tool gives you the most power for Android hot spotting (and it works on iPhone, too)

One nice touch on the Earsight Plus D39R is that the adjustable head has height markers, so you can see how deep it is. This capability makes sense for my purposes, but if you’re using this for ears or other body parts, remember that these measurements are for the camera lens and do not include the length of any attachments installed on the end. I’ve seen this setup cause problems if the user gets too enthusiastic.

It’s all in the app

The camera connects to a smartphone via the Bebird app (available iOS again Android) using Wi-Fi. The app allows you to control the intensity of the front camera light, adjust the zoom, and capture still images or video.

The resulting image is clear and stable, and I like how the camera uses its internal gyroscope to lock the image’s horizontal orientation.

This locking capability makes the Earsight Plus D39R much easier to use than other cameras that rotate the image (although if you like that feature, you can enable it in the app’s settings).

Also: 10 DIY gadgets I never leave without my toolkit (and why they each deserve their place)

The camera comes in a stylish carrying case that holds all the tools you need to keep your ears clean. I even repurchased a few tools for different jobs. For example, I attached a small neodymium magnet to one of them to replace the small connectors.

ZDNET shopping advice

While i Bebird Earsight Plus D39R more expensive than other basic methodsits high build quality, flexible design, and advanced features make it the best overall product.

The ability to bend the camera and navigate around corners is a standout feature that greatly enhances its usability, whether you’re using the device for personal care or as an inspection tool. At $47, the camera offers excellent value for those who prioritize quality and performance in their equipment.