So a while back I bought these expensive noise cancelling earphones with the different buds on the end which you use to fit your ear perfectly. I was listening to my iPod on the train up to London this morning when my phone rang. As I pulled the ‘phones out of my ears to answer the call, I realised that the changeable bud had come off my left ear and was firmly stuck right inside!

Running late for my meeting, I went straight there and spent most of the day in mild discomfort trying to adapt to being partially deaf while working out if I was actually shouting at people when I opened my mouth. I was too embarrassed to tell anyone there.

I ended up going to Boots, buying some tweezers (along with some manly aftershave so I didn’t seem too odd) and then carefully fishing in my ear until I managed to liberate the little rubber bung. It took a long time. From now on, I’m carrying a full vanity case with me – or maybe just using the earphones that came with the iPod. I haven’t decided yet.