Itching Ears post Microsuction

[LC1963]

I paid for ear microsuction at a chemist on September 28th costing £60. The process was quite painful but I was very relieved at the time to have the wax successfully removed. My ears were very compacted and I returned after a week for a follow-up. They said I had a further fall of old black wax from the attic part of my ear, which they tried to unsuccessfully remove. However, I have had ongoing problems in my left ear, especially with an aggressive itch which is very frustrating. I've consulted with my GP but they can't see what's going on with the limited equipment they have access to. The itch is driving me absolutely nsane and keeps me awake at night. I'm going to return to the chemist and ask them to use their specialist ENT microscope to take a look today. Can anyone advise what the problem might be please? The GP won't offer antibiotics if they can't diagnose an ear infection. I have very small ear canals which doesn't help them see what is actually going on inside. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as it's starting to impact my mood negatively. Thanks in advance, Lesley

[Happyrosie]

sometimes when earwax sticks to the skin, the skin starts getting exzema which is itchy. You are so fortunate to have a chemist that will do this microsuction!

Wishing you well!

[LC1963 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you Rosie, We certainly are very lucky indeed and they said as much as you in that its probably ear excema. They said to use a cotton bud soaked in olive oil and to twirl it around my outer ear opening into the canal. It feels improved already. They also noticed bruising to the attic of my left ear which suggests some sort of trauma, and suggested I consult with my GP about it. I'm going for a GP consultation next week. I've also got a lot of fresh wax in there, so they think I might over produce it generally considering it's not long since they were cleared. The aftercare service is very impressive too 👏

[sammie888 in reply to LC1963]

Hi, LC1963 I have my ears cleaned regularly due to wax build and I have found that if you find it painful it is because the wax has stuck to the skin and whilst the person doing the micro suction encourages the wax to come out it pulls with it the top layer of skin, then after causing the itching sensation as the skin begins the healing process.

[LC1963 in reply to sammie888]

Thanks Sammie, that makes perfect sense. Thank you for responding 😇

[Lancslass53]

This is me to a t! I have otitis externa, which causes itching and gooey discharge and hearing loss. I asked to be referred to ent and they cleared my wax painlessly. I'd be careful with anyone other than a trained professional trying to do this. I was told to use olive oil to soften the wax before removal and I use it now and again to keep everything under control. I really feel your pain it is the most annoying problem. I also used Otomize from the GP which was amazing at clearing up the ear symptoms, perhaps ask for that from them as it's an anti biotic, anti fungal ear spray. Good luck!

[LC1963 in reply to Lancslass53]

Thank you, they are highly trained in what they do. They suggested asking my GP for Optimise too so I'll ask when I see the GP next week 😇

[Lancslass53 in reply to LC1963]

Yes Otomize is really good

[LC1963 in reply to Lancslass53]

It cleared it up lots but I still had left ear issues so I had ear swabs taken which revealed a fungal ear infection. 😩I'm now using canestan ear drops which has resolved the issue 😇

[Kiitty in reply to Lancslass53]

Did your tinnitus get better?

[LC1963 in reply to Kiitty]

All better now thanks, I think having the microsuction caused the ear infection as it can happen after the removal of wax as it's the ears natural protection. I don't think I'd have it done again. I'm using Earol weekly to try to keep the wax soft 😇

[RONf]

I regularly use Earol - a highly refined olive oil spray - which was recommenced by the local hospital ENT department. They see me every six months on a rolling appointment basis to carry out micro-suction so the wax doesn't build up, The Earol softens the wax prior to micro-suction and I then use it to soothe the ear canal skin after micro-suction, Because it's a spray, Earol is very easy to use. Costs about £6 at Boots, Superdrug or Amazon.

Take care with Otomize. Effective for infections - but there are many allegations that it triggers tinnitus spikes or worsens the volume level of tinnitus.

Good luck. Hope you get sorted before Christmas. A constant ear itch is really horrible.

[LC1963 in reply to RONf]

Thanks Ron, yes I use that too but the pharmacist has suggested using an ear bud on the opening as the pump action was missing the outer part of my ear. I'll keep on using it, have a lovely Christmas yourself 😇

[777john]

My ears itch daily i am for ever sticking my fingers in to scratch them, i have hairs in my ears which i presume is the reason but it does drive me mad, this site is great for advise, i hope you problem improves.

[LC1963]

Thanks John, I've found swirling the ideaa cotton bud around the ear soothing. I used a bit of vaseline yesterday which seemed to work even better. I've toyed with using Sudocrem too but I don't want to overdo it. Good luck to you too 😇

[sun_1234 in reply to LC1963]

I passed the same problem. fungals ear infection. It’s really really was worse ever in my life. now infection is gone after long time about 3 months but still feel itchy. I have big hole in my ear. Itchy marks me made somethings.