Micro suction and audiology appt

[Mags1417]

Hi

I haven’t messaged for a while. Just trying to move forwards with my tinnitus after a tricky spike which led to other issues. Still early months in (3) and have face to face audiology appt Thursday. They want clear ears so have micro suction booked tomorrow. However though my t started due to blocked ear (wax) it came into its own at 2am following micro suction appt. I have about 3 sounds now in my left ear all different tones. But can vary when I hear them though main one is always there and the loudest. Am really nervous about micro suction appt tomorrow. Have tiny sound in right ear and not sure if I’m up for a stereo experience! I know habituation is a process - and am having to adjust each time a new sound appears. Have been doing squirt of erol in each ear once a week since last suctioning. And though my ears don’t feel blocked I know I get wax build up that doesn’t shift itself. I can get dry itchy ears so don’t think other drops will work? I know I can speak to audiologist prior to suctioning but don’t want them to not see me if ears not clear but of chicken and egg……

Just looking for a little reassurance. 😬

[Happyrosie]

Audiologists just can’t do the tests they need to do if your ears are partly or fully blocked - so they need to be unblocked somehow or other.Please discuss your issues with the person who does the suctioning, and they should reassure you.

As far as T goes (and if only it WOULD go!) the sounds do tend to change in some people. They come, they change in tone, you get a new sound … all part of the excitement of having tinnitus.

[Mags1417 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you for speedy reply. I had micro suctioning twice before with no ill effects….. but it is unfortunately the last association which sticks.

[PeteCatton]

Hi Mags1417I have experienced exactly your

problem. My tinnitus is very loud after 22 years .I saw an ENT registrar on a routine check up

visit he said I had some wax in both ears would I like him to remove it.

He proceeded to micro suction it.

I winced with pain and nearly pulled

away. As soon as I left my T had spiked to another level. It took 2 weeks to subside with loads of stress. I phoned audiology and asked to speak to him he called 2 days later and I explained what he had caused me. He apologised I

suggested he takes more with

T patients.

Regards

Pete Catton

[Mags1417 in reply to PeteCatton]

Hi PeteGlad to hear that spike did reduce. I know that could be the case for me and I also know me stressing about it won’t help. It’s just come at a time when I’m already adjusting to different sounds appearing. I did before so I can again…..

[PeteCatton in reply to Mags1417]

I have had it done since, explained previous episode and it was no problem. So next time try not to stress.

[rabbits65 in reply to PeteCatton]

Hello Pete, seems like you had a bad experience with micro suction. Would you go back and ever have it done again or would you try something different. I know I didn’t like it at all , at the beginning of my tinnitus journey I found it to be really loud too. I’m just wondering if there is any other way of unblocking ears .

[Mags1417]

Survived micro suction. Was very nervous. But T sounds have stayed same and no obvious ill effects. So will note that as a positive experience!! Saw nhs audiologist yesterday. She was lovely. Very sympathetic. Have hearing aid fitting middle of December to trial. Mild High frequency loss but she said is worth trying - as should not be struggling to hear and to support hearing ongoing. I spend my day in a mask as do all around me.

Did discuss other ear unblocking options but if wax doesn’t move out by itself or with help from erol or other products then ear suction seems to be the only way.