To syringe or to microsunction

[doglover1973]

Hello all. I have a dilemna. Big build up of wax in one ear. Tinnitus louder. Hearing aid uncomfortable. I can either have my ear syringed at the Docs or microsunctioned at Specsavers. Neither ideal. I just don't know which way to go. Any thought s would be very welcome.

[Hidden]

From what I've read/heard I think microsuction is the safer of the two - less chance of any damage being caused.

[Deebeez]

I had my ear wax removed using a mechanical device, similar to hoover, in the ENT department. They also conducted an audiology test which revealed that I have a sensory neural loss for high pitch sounds. They suggested that this was down to ageing

[Happyrosie]

Personally, I've had both done - at the doctors many many times since my teens but they won't do it any more so I can't. I used to have to wait at least three or four weeks for an appointment anyway.Having them done privately was fine (though pricey).

In both cases it improved my Tinnitus, since I could hear the real world more clearly.

[M2303]

Personally I would stay well clear of ‘Microsuction’ I had it done last year at ‘Specsavers’. The audiologist was only in each ear for no more than 10 seconds, and only having enter my left ear twice. The results: well two days later my life changed to the point I have been off work for nearly a year with ‘Hyperacusis’ & Tinnitus. Numerous appointments privately to see an ENT specialist (Julian Hamann). Absolute disaster. Never had anything bother me before. This wow, both ears changed massively. I couldn’t tolerate speech at certain pitches in doors, felt like my eardrums would be vibrating off people talking normally. Horrendous - I had to put my finger on my ‘Tragus’ to cover one ear, so the sentsation of ‘butterfly’s’ in my ear would go when listening to people speak. Horrendous Tinnitus & which sounded like a base box in my left ear. I have to sleep with the fan on now. I even had to have ‘Hearing Therapy’ with a DR ‘Audiologist’. I also suffered from ‘Myoclonus’ in the ear so certain sounds again when using my arms & hands (with movement) to cut food - especially with my left hand - would tigger my right ear drum to spasm through contraction of either the ‘Tensor Tympani and Stapedius’ muscle. For example to noise of the knife moving over a ‘Glass’ board for cutting food would set my right ear to spasm. Bizarrely if I then used my right hand, the sensation would stop!!! Further more if I touch the right side of my face this would trigger the same sensation!!! All in all I believe it has upset my audio system massively. I would just use ‘Olive Oil’ for your ears & leave the wax to fall out when you sleep or in the shower. Nearly a year later I am able to start to get back to normal. Kind Regards Mevin.

[Suzysunday in reply to M2303]

I developed tinnitus from micro suction at specsavers. Total disaster. Never had a problem with tinnitus in my life. It was a year ago and no improvement.

[Bba6 in reply to M2303]

Oh my goodness! I’m sorry you’ve gone through so much. I didn’t know these types of things could happen to us! Scary! Thank you for sharing, thus educating us.

I’m very glad you are starting to feel better.

[Philip6]

I’ve heard quite a few people say they developed tinnitus after ear syringing, I’ve not heard the same about micro suction.

[Lyrist]

Hi doglover, I'm nervous about this too yet also been advised not to olive oil. Such a conundrum. Just don't like the idea of a procedure making it any worse. Think I will stick to lubrication with warm water washes for the next week and see what happens. I've seen these self syringe kits but again a bit reluctant to try these. I guess looking for local reviews of practices might be worthwhile?

[Sazzyrich]

Syringing isn't recommended anymore. Microsuction is the best way. I had mine done privately recently by an ent specialist. Only cost £40. He advised not to use olive oil as it gets behind the lump of wax and has nowhere to go and then causes hearing issues, which it did for me until the wax was removed, then all was fine. The ball of wax often gets stuck to the ear drum, as did mine, and the ent chap said there's no way it would have released without microsuction. My suggestion would be just to ensure its done by someone who knows what they're doing. Personally I probably wouldn't have it done at specsavers but just personal choice. There are several private clinics around. I would have happily had it done on the NHS but the wait was months.

[Tiggerakafidgity]

Can’t you use earex or otex.it works pretty well.I had some gastly Hoover type device put in my ears years ago.the high pitch noise it put out almost made me pass out and the surgeon just rammed this pipe in my ear with no cause for concern about damaging my ears.it’s got to have been one of the most traumatic experience

[Lynne-H]

Hi doglover1973

Personally I would choose syringing after using Earol Olive Oil Spray twice a day for 10 days to soften the wax.

If you could get it done at the doctors that would also be my choice.

During lockdown I have had mine syringed privately at a cost of £50 for both ears.

Whatever you choose I hope all goes well for you.

Lynne

[bantams]

Hi, I have had both ears syringed in the last 6 months by the nurse at my local GP practice. I was told both times to use olive oil for 10 ten days before they would syringe my ears, ears cleared of wax and no problems, but as not made any difference to my Tinnitus

[doglover1973]

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate all the advice . I'm going to start with olive oil drops while I weigh up the pros and cons. It seems as if both methods can work well or go wrong. I'm sorry for those of you who've had bad experiences. This is a conundrum.

[Hidden]

I have had both in the past and now err towwards microsuction. Earol for only three days prior to the microsuction. Can be costly however some people will charge about £50 for two ears. Not a fan of putting loads of olive oil in the ear as it expands the wax and may make the situation worse.

[Erniet]

I remove wax at home using oil drops and waiting for 15 to 20 minutes then using a children's syringe filled with warm water several times. Do this over the sink. I have always been successful and with no discomfort.

[doglover1973]

Thanks for the two latest replies. Booked the doc. Irrigation next week.

[Hidden]

I had one ear surringed and it was quite tolerable. However fast forward a few years and tinnitus clinic attempted micro suction and I stopped them immediately. The screeching was horrendous and I was concerned it would exacerbate my tinnitus.