I believe this is an obscure English phrase relating to ear hygene. I have heard strange tales of Northern air from the steelworks which causes the wax to grow thicker and ultimately to cause a restriction of the hearing canal, which is a danger to the stapes. A common solution in the north is to dowse in olive oil, although if applied boiling to the orifice this can create a sensation of sharp pain which causes a curious effluxion in the throat. Not, therefore, recommended...