Ear Wax viewer

Ear syringing is not risk free.

Tim

I used to need to go every 18-24 months. Recently I've been using an olive oil spray to keep it soft and it comes out itself more easily.

"Risks of ear irrigation

Do not undergo ear irrigation (either at home or at a doctor?s office) if you have a damaged eardrum, tubes in your ears, or a condition that weakens your immune system. You also should not get ear irrigation if you have an active infection in your ear canal. While ear irrigation is a relatively common procedure, there are risks associated with it: Ear infection

Otitis externa is a common complication. This is inflammation of the ear canal that could be caused by infection. It can be painful. Another potential complication is otitis media, which is inflammation of the middle ear that could also be caused by infection. Ear infections are one of the most common complications of ear irrigations. Perforated eardrum

Perforated eardrums are another potential complication of ear irrigation. In some cases, ear irrigation will press against the wax and make it more compacted. This makes it harder to remove and may put more pressure on the eardrum, increasing risk of perforation. In some cases, fluid becomes trapped in the ear canal and causes an increase in pressure that can rupture the eardrum.

Other complications

In rare cases, additional complications can occur. These include:

vertigo, which is the sensation of the room spinning in circles around you (typically temporary) deafness, which can be temporary or permanent

Since earwax buildup can be harmful over time or be the result of other health conditions, see your doctor if your symptoms aren?t improving after at-home care. They may want to try other methods or send you to an ear specialist. Those who use hearing aids are especially prone to having earwax buildup. Additionally, cotton-tipped swabs should not be inserted into the ear canal, as these are known to push wax against the eardrum and ear canal."

I'd take that up with the NHS authorities. What next - having to pay for phlebotomy?

My surgery hasn't used simple syringing for years.

They require you to use ear drops for a couple of days before the visit. Check the wax is soft before proceeding. The machines they use has a warm pulsed water jet. Which you don't notice being used - unlike syringing.

I've not tried open heart surgery either.

If it's only in one ear and you habitually sleep on only one side, then you could try sleeping on the other side for a while, if that's possible. Then maybe start alternating.

The ears normally rid themselves of wax while you're asleep, but if someone sleeps exclusively on one side then this can create problems.

IME at least, as with a low pillow and a firm mattress, paying more attention to your posture and position while asleep, can make a big difference to all sorts of things.

michael adams

...

On that basis I assume you consider picking fluff out of your navel equivalent to brain surgery?

Making ludicrous comparisons is not a powerful argument. It just highlights your ignorance on this subject.

Tim

For most people Olive Oil will loosen the wax.

One friend insisted on using Hydrogen Peroxide.

I though some wax was normal and healthy

Carbamide peroxide is often recommended, rather than hydrogen peroxide.

For gleaming white ears?

But isn't that just like having to pay for dental work or (medical) podiatry?

Cheers, T i m

And you saying there is no danger removing wax from your own ears shows your ignorance on the subject too.

Ear drops designed for the job ain't exactly expensive. And work a bit quicker than plain olive oil.

Tim, Can you elaborate on using these? eg can you feel when they touch the eardrum? can you feel it in the ear, or do you just have to be careful not to press too hard?

Like others here I've been 'conditioned' not to poke anything in. If that's a fallacy, a lot of us have been had ;-(

Phil

Haha, love it :-)

Don't worry John, I'm sure I'm not the only one that got-it first time LOL :-)

Phil

We just get a PowerPoint-style display in the waiting room.

Owain

No, I never have either. I wonder how people managed before The NannyHS came about ?.

Is central heating the reason why this is now an 'issue' ?

I wonder how you get through in life if you always equate ?potential for harm? with ?actual harm?? I?m guessing you?ve never worn contact lenses then? Did you know that people actually poke things in their own eyes! Shocking, isn?t it?

Also, you seem to think that zero experience is sound foundation for offering advice (presumably parroting what your mother told you). I?ve been de-waxing my ears manually for 50 years now.

Tim