<P> Another method for piercing ears, first made popular in the 1960s, was the use of sharpened spring - loaded earrings known as self - piercers, trainers, or sleepers, which gradually pushed through the earlobe . However, these could slip from their initial placement position, often resulting in more discomfort, and many times would not go all the way through the earlobe without additional pressure being applied . This method has fallen into disuse due to the popularity of faster and more successful piercing techniques . </P> <P> Ear piercing instruments, sometimes called ear - piercing guns, were originally developed for physician use but with modifications became available in retail settings . Today more and more people in the Western world have their ears pierced with an ear piercing instrument in specialty jewellery or accessory stores, or at home using disposable ear piercing instruments . An earlobe piercing performed with an ear piercing instrument is often described as feeling similar to being pinched, or being snapped by a rubber band . Piercing with this method, especially for cartilage piercings, is not recommended by many piercing professionals and physicians, as it can cause blunt force trauma to the skin, and takes far longer to heal than needle piercing . In addition, the vast majority of ear piercing instruments are made of plastic, which means they can never be truly sterilized by use of an Autoclave, increasing chance of infection exponentially . In the case of cartilage piercing, doing it with an ear piercing instrument can shatter the ear cartilage and lead to serious complications . </P> <P> An alternative which is growing in practice is the use of a hollow piercing needle, as is done in body piercing . The piercer disinfects the earlobe with alcohol and puts a mark on the lobe with a pen . It gives the opportunity to the client to check whether the position is correct or not . Then, the piercer uses a clamp with flat ends and holes at the end to hold the earlobe, with the dot in the middle of the holes . This device will support the skin during the piercing process . A cork can be placed behind the earlobe to stop the movement of the needle after the piercing process, and protect the tip of the needle for the client's comfort . Then, the piercer places the hollow needle perpendicular to the skin's surface and check the position of the needle, to pierce at the desired place and the right angle . The piercing process consists of pushing the needle through the earlobe, until it gets out in the other side . The client has to remain still during all the process . Then, the clamp can be put off . After that, the piercer puts the jewel in the hollow needle and pushes the needle through until the jewel enters into the lobe . Then, the needle is removed and disposed properly . The jewel is attached to the lobe and the piercer disinfects the lobe again . </P> <P> In tribal cultures and among some neo-primitive body piercing enthusiasts, the piercing is made using other tools, such as animal or plant organics . </P>

Who was the first person to get their ears pierced