Ear wax removal

Rewarding to hit a popular topic once in a while:-)

I'm not talking about routine ear syringing (which isn't considered a good idea anyway).

I told my GP I had a partial loss of hearing in one ear. She checked my temperature (to see if I had an infection) and then decided that the visible wax was the likely problem. I was prescribed ear drops which didn't improve things so I was referred to the hospital ENT department for the suction treatment (of both ears). This removed some of the wax but I had to go back there for more suction after I had softened it with ear drops.

Le 13/11/2024 à 17:20, Timatmarford a écrit :

Believe it or not, the best way to get rid of wax is to do nothing. Resist the temptation to scratch the area or to get rid of it. It will go even further deep. Ear wax forms because people stick their finger in it.

At one point it will come out and it will be gross.

In my case, getting it checked once a year and then probably removed, IS routine. If I don't follow that sort of regime, then my ears WILL fill with wax.

Total bollocks.

I've occasionally had little red bits fall out, but have never needed any treatment.

Probly cos I spent to much time near kilowatt audio stacks and it shook out all by itself :-)

As I said before, the amount of wax produced varies between individuals. Some lucky sods never need it removing because it clears itself (as it is supposed to). Wax is produced to keep the eardrum supple, and as more is produced, then just like a glacier the new pushes the old along. If you produce too much, then there is the danger of a buildup and eventually, a blockage.

I just use matchstick

I had a home visit from a professional. First she used an impressive, multi part kit to little avail. Then she resorted to an electric water flosser like my wife's tooth care product. This seemed to do the job very well. I've taken to using our own domestic water flosser since then. The effect seems to last for only a couple of months though.

Every two years or so, I need my right ear clearing.

I’ve tried various drops without real success.

I’ve looked at various gizmos and decided my hearing is worth more.

I’ve used Specsavers - who were very good. The only niggle was the nearest one with the service is a pain to get to ( Parking etc).

I then found a local, small, one lady company who will either come to you or you can visit her office. She is a nurse who now specialises in this, she tours nursing homes etc.

I think I paid £45 last time, when I visited her office. Previously, she came to the house, I think that was £60.

She suggests you use drops for a few days first and uses a warm water squirting thing. Painless etc and effective.

Try a search on the Net for your area. £45 or even 60 is better than a damaged ear drum. Since GP surgeries stopped offering the service, there must be others who do this.

Yep. We had a flyer delivered with the post offering an introductory appointment starting at £25.

An offshoot of a roof cleaning business perhaps.

How did we live with dirty roofs before, still it does provide a means for some to own their business as the means to do so get more difficult.

GH

In the bath, and every so often, maybe every month or two, I squirt a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide into one ear at a time, with head held with that ear uppermost. When the fizz stops, I rinse.

Greater than a 3% solution, and the reaction can become hot. Never use the method with a blocked ear canal.

I have used the method for years, never a problem, never any wax buildup.