Successful ear syringing

[Kazar]

I wrote on here for the first time a week ago to say that although suffering from tinnitus for 30 years, I was worried about an impending ear syringing procedure. I received many supportive responses which I appreciate.

I have had a terrible 8 days using drops to soften wax in one ear, leading to partial deafness which meant my tinnitus was screaming.

I had my ear syringed yesterday and explained all my reservations to the nurse beforehand (fear of worsening the tinnitus, only partially working, which has happened before). She set the machine to half the power which was gentler and a bit quieter. She stopped whenever I asked and spent a long time removing dead skin from around the ear canal with tweezers.

The relief was brilliant. It was strange to hear my own voice properly instead of in my head! I walked home in busy London traffic and had to cup my ear at times as it seemed so loud.

I knew the real test would be when I got home where it is quiet. I was dreading my tinnitus still being deafening. I knew it would probably be louder if only because I couldn't avoid focusing on it for the previous week. I was so relieved to find it was back to normal, acceptable levels.

I just wanted to post in case anyone out there was worried about their tinnitus getting louder when using ear drops. Rationally I knew why but my paranoid self panicked. I'm also aware of the debate about the safety/effectiveness of syringing v microsuction ,(I have had both procedures over the years). All I know is, I'm prone to wax build up and have a lot of dry skin in my ears, so I will be following the advice to use use olive oil once a month to keep it at bay. Also, I have very hairy ears apparently!

[Hidden]

Hi I’m glad it went well now your ears are clean make sure you keep on top of your ear wax by regularly putting in olive oil every week so you don’t have to go through it again. David

[Kazar in reply to Hidden]

Thank you.

My left ear felt weird after having the right one syringed. Not blocked, but different. The nurse said it's not as bad but does need syringing. I need a break for a while from concentrating on my ears, but I will do it.

Thanks for the advice.

[berry76]

I'm as terrified as you - but how about the measured pump action of Earol - as recommended by the guy who does my micro-suctioning. This seems to moisten both the dry skin and the wax, to prevent a hardened build-up?

Best wishes to all.

Berry

[Kazar in reply to berry76]

I've never heard of this. It sounds good though. The horror for me is the gradual loss of hearing and terrifying loudness of my tinnitus that ensues with ear drops. A week becomes a very long time. Also, even though I know it will go away when the ears are unblocked, I can't help panicking that it will last forever. Irrational but very real fear.

Regards..

[sammie888]

Great stuff Kazar, enjoy the clarity of clear hearing again.

All the best Sammie.

[Ruud1boy]

Did you have it done at your GP's, the hospital or a private clinic type place? My GP's won't do syringing / microsuctioning etc any more and refer cases to the local ENT. I got a referral but then when you try to book an appointment, there are none available - this leaves no choice whatsoever other than to pay to get it done privately.

[NicTinnitus]

Thank you for sharing this Kazar, it was very reassuring - I'm needing this procedure done myself shortly!

Warmest wishes

Nic (BTA Communications Manager and Forum Administrator)

[Kazar in reply to NicTinnitus]

Thank you.

I know some people have bad experiences with syringing/irrigation. I thought it would post my success to add to the narrative.

Karen

[agrajag36]

Was this syringing rather than irrigation

[Kazar]

It was a machine that pumped water into my ear, so is that irrigation?

[Amersham]

Hi Kazar. I am so pleased to read your post. I have had tinnitus for about 20 years and on Monday I am having my ears syringed/microsuction. I don't know what procedure will be used. I have had a heavy build up of wax in both ears. I have been using olive oil but to no avail in fact it has made my hearing worse. I am very worried that the procedure will make my tinnitus worse but your post has allayed my fears. It will be nice to get some background noise in my ears to compensate for the ringing.