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[Help] Ear wax removal



Durlston

Durlston

"You plonker, Rodney!"
Jul 15, 2009
10,017
Haywards Heath
So for the last three months roughly I've noticed that slowly my hearing in my left ear is becoming completely blocked by the build up of ear wax. At first it wasn't a problem as my hearing would come back when I was having my morning shower after sleeping on my left ear for around four hours or so. Now it's got to the point where I'm completely deaf in one ear, my balance is poor and people are having to shout at me! I went to the doctors on Monday and a check in both ears showed a severe case of both ears completely full of orangey wax!

What is my best option? Going privately would cost £90 (for both ears) and a shorter wait or using the NHS it's £70 (also for both ears) but be on a list to have them done immediately if they get a cancellation (fat chance as patients usually always want to get them done ASAP). I was warned by the doctor that there is so much wax in both ears that I might need two visits. :down: Will I be charged double if I go privately for two appointments? This is making my life a misery.

Anyone specialise in this type of work? Or had your ears microsuctioned/water irrigated? Thanks for any help in advance. :thumbsup:
 






studio150

studio150

Well-known member
Jul 30, 2011
30,214
On the Border
How times have changed, last time I had this done, its was free under the NHS.
It's surprising how much wax comes out from the ears, but once clear it;s like going from mono to surround sound.

Given the little difference in price I would go private to get your hearing back as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately no idea on second visit, but no doubt this would be answered when booking appointment.
 




Denis

Denis

Well-known member
Mar 25, 2013
605
Portslade
Yes Specsavers is the place to go.
I wear in ear canal hearing aids (because I’m vain and don’t want people to know) , which seem to generate excess production of ear wax. So I usually have to have micro suction twice a year. It’s a great feeling afterwards, when your hearing is so much clearer.
 




Triggaaar

Triggaaar

Well-known member
Oct 24, 2005
53,035
Goldstone


Perkino

Perkino

Well-known member
Dec 11, 2009
6,051
I have suffered for years with this sort of issue.

I bought some hydrogen peroxide from the pharmacy and a pippet for less than £5 and placed 4/5 drops into an ear. The release of pressure was very quick but only a short term solution.

I bought an endoscope that connects to my phone. Effectively a small camera with a tiny scoop to help remove the blockage. Designed so you can remove wax from the outer half of the ear canal without going near the ear drum.

I had to continue with drops, once a week, for 5/6 weeks to loosen the remaining wax which made its way out slowly. Now once a month a check with the camera and remove any noticeable lumps. Best £12 I spent, considering the years of water irrigation required previously
 


Durlston

Durlston

"You plonker, Rodney!"
Jul 15, 2009
10,017
Haywards Heath
studio150 said:
How times have changed, last time I had this done, its was free under the NHS.
It's surprising how much wax comes out from the ears, but once clear it;s like going from mono to surround sound.

Given the little difference in price I would go private to get your hearing back as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately no idea on second visit, but no doubt this would be answered when booking appointment.
Click to expand...
I think it would be best to warn them that there is a lot of build up of wax. I really want to get my hearing as sharp as a tack.

I don't want to go anything above £100 if I need two visits That's my limit TBH.
 




Perkino

Perkino

Well-known member
Dec 11, 2009
6,051
There are plenty of videos on YouTube of using hydrogen peroxide and the endoscope camera. I did plenty of research before using and the best thing I have tried.

I previously used a water bulb which was effective initially but cleaning out the water was very tricky and after a couple of uses I started to get infections from waterborne germs that remained in the bulb from previous usage. I wouldn't recommend
 


Durlston

Durlston

"You plonker, Rodney!"
Jul 15, 2009
10,017
Haywards Heath
Ear drops have been put in for a week now but they seem to be making my hearing worse - like when you go swimming and you can't get the water out afterwards.
 






Perkino

Perkino

Well-known member
Dec 11, 2009
6,051
Durlston said:
Ear drops have been put in for a week now but they seem to be making my hearing worse - like when you go swimming and you can't get the water out afterwards.
Click to expand...
You will have created a void down by the ear drum. Very common with ear drops, keep going and it will breakthrough soon. Water may find it's way in over the top when you shower but due to the angle it is struggling to escape. Try laying down on your side with a towel to see if the water can escape.

Also water can cause infections so avoid it going in with such a build up of wax
 




Durlston

Durlston

"You plonker, Rodney!"
Jul 15, 2009
10,017
Haywards Heath
um bongo molongo said:
Two things:
Do at least two weeks of olive oil drops before any appointment to soften it otherwise it won’t work. Can buy in any chemist.

Make sure you get microsuction - they lift it out with a mini vacuum cleaner thing - much safer than blasting your ear drums with high pressure water
Click to expand...
I tried olive oil drops first (in my ears!) but they made me sick in the night with the taste of the wood. I think I'm allergic to them.

Otex Express are odourless and I haven't had any problems with this product. Bought at Sainsburys for just under a tenner.
 








VAL1850

VAL1850

Well-known member
Nov 22, 2008
2,018
Beachy Head & WSU
Happy Ears in Eastbourne charge £55 for both ears and use both suction and irrigation methods where applicable.

Make sure ears wax is softened for a good week prior to appointment using drops

You mention wax is orange in colour, this is a likely sign of ear infection hence balance problems
 










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