Ear wax removal - safest method? Please help

[agrajag36]

Hello all,

I was wondering if anyone knew of a consultant who removes ear wax using manual tools, rather than micro suction?

I have heard that micro suction can worsen or induce tinnitus in some uncertain percentage of those who under go it, and that, in priniciple, removal of wax with manual tools was less likely to exacerbate tinnitus.

[Hidden]

Hi agrajag36

The information that you have been given is incorrect. Mircrosuction is the best method of removing earwax especially when the wax is compacted. I have had microscuction 3 times and ear irrigation at my GP surgery 3 times without any adverse effects.

When my consultant was removing the earwax, I asked her which is the best and safest method and she said mircrosuction. The mistake that some private clinics make, is not telling people to use eardrops 10 days before the procedure. The wax needs to be thoroughly softened. I go to other tinnitus forums. Someone opted for manual removal of the earwax and ended up with the tinnitus becoming worse. He wasn't advised to use eardrops before the procedure.

Apply 4 drops of olive oil eardrops, to each ear 3 x a day for 7 to 10 days then have the earwax removed. Failure to do this could result in your tinnitus becoming more intrusive no matter what method of removal you choose. If you live in the UK, then I advise you to have this done at your GP surgery or ask for a referral to ENT for microsuction. I advise you to avoid private clinics.

All the best

Michael

[agrajag36 in reply to Hidden]

Hello Michael. Thank you for your reply. I have indeed been using the drops. I have been collecting various accounts of wax removal and had made a log of accounts of those who had worsened after suction or irrigation but to date had not found anyone who had worsened after manual removal. I reasoned that this may well simply be because manual removal is done less often. Could you possibly link to the thread that describes someone worsening after a manual removal? Many thanks

[Hidden in reply to agrajag36]

We are not allowed to post links in this forum. The person that I'm talking about is on the Tinnitus Talk forum. It was a while back. Over 20000 members are at TT so it might be difficult to find the post.

All the best

Michael

[agrajag36 in reply to Hidden]

I had a good look there for worsenings with the various methods but I must have missed the manual one. I shall look again, thank you

[Ruud1boy in reply to Hidden]

My GP surgery don't offer any service for wax removal anymore and just refer to the hospital. Earliest appointment I can get in this regard is April, so there's not much option other than going to a private clinic.

[Greeny53 in reply to Hidden]

I had micro suction a few weeks ago for wax removal,before being fitted with hearing aids, it was awful,brought tears to my eyes,would not recommend it

[agrajag36 in reply to Greeny53]

Did it worsen your tinnitus at all?

[Greeny53 in reply to agrajag36]

Yes,made it worse,it felt like a mosquito let loose in your ear

[agrajag36 in reply to Greeny53]

Permanently worse or just a temporary spoke? Well that seems so common for people to report that and yet ENTs will tell you it doesn't happen or it is a risk of about 1 in 1000. Did you use a oil before the procedure to Soften the wax?

[NicTinnitus]

Hello and welcome to the British Tinnitus Association forum.

Do feel free to ask any questions, I hope that you find this a helpful and supportive place to help you manage your tinnitus.

We have some resources that you might like to check out in addition to our home here:

tinnitus.org.uk

/ear-wax

Helpline 0800 018 0527 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) (outside the UK you can call [phone]

Warmest wishes

Nic (BTA Communications Manager and Forum Administrator)

[davelinks]

Always had good success at the doctors with ear irrigation, I'm having it done on Monday as have blockage and tinnitus is worse than usual (like old radio interference!) so inserting olive oil drops over 7 days..😊