Should I Have My Ears Cleaned (Doctor Suggested Syringing)?

[Swish]

Hello, I'm new to this community. I can't tell when I got my tinnitus, I don't even remember when I first acknowledged it's existance. It's maybe 3 months now...?

My tinnitus is mild, I can hear it only in silence, which isn't that bad. I was always a calm person, never liked parties or loud places, I've never been in such situations. But as a stupid teenager I was, I was listening to very loud music using earbuds, that's probably the reason for my tinnitus. .

But I decided to go to a doctor, to check my ears, and clean them from wax. I haven't set an appointment yet. But the thing that bugs me is, he only uses syringe method.

From what I read, this isn't the best method, I heard that some people even got tinnitus from that. I'm terrified of making my tinnitus worse, I couldn't stand that.

Any ideas? Should I give it a try?

 

[Kolisar]

If you are concerned with the method your doctor uses, consider using a different doctor for that procedure.

Also, has a doctor told you that wax buildup is the cause of your tinnitus? I would not suggest doing anything with your ears until you know it is necessary. Were some people have had tinnitus caused or worsened by wax removal treatments, why take the risk if no one has told you that it is the cause of your tinnitus?

 

[Bill Bauer]

When you absolutely have to have wax removed, make sure that your doctor gives you some liquid drops to be applied every day for three days before the day when you have the procedure. Also find a doctor who agrees to do this manually (using a wire loop?).

 

[Michael Leigh]

When you absolutely have to have wax removed, make sure that your doctor gives you some liquid drops to be applied every day for three days before the day when you have the procedure. Also find a doctor who agrees to do this manually (using a wire loop?).

@Swish

It is best to use olive oil eardrops that can be bought over the counter at a chemist/drugstore. Apply 3 to 4 drops 3x a day to each ear, for 7 to 10 days to soften the wax before having: Microsuction, ear irrigation or manually removed. All medical procedures carry some risk, even something minor as earwax removal. I have had: microsuction 3x ear irrigation 3x with no problems and used eardrops for 10 days before having the wax removed.

Michael

PS: Mircrosuction is the preferred method and best, for removing earwax, especially when it is compacted and irrigation has been unsuccessful.

 

[Bill Bauer]

Thank you for providing the details regarding the application of the drops.

Mircrosuction is the preferred method and best, for removing earwax, especially when it is compacted and irrigation has been unsuccessful.

You don't think we should learn from the mistakes of the many members who got T (or who have had their T become debilitating) after a microsuction procedure and avoid microsuction no matter what?

 

[Michael Leigh]

You don't think we should learn from the mistakes of the many members who got T (or who have had their T become debilitating) after a microsuction procedure and avoid microsuction no matter what?

@Bill Bauer

My consultant is an Audiovestibular Physician which I believe is more qualified than an ENT doctor. In 2010 she told me that I was the second worst tinnitus patient that she had met. I asked for her candour as I was going through a very difficult time and felt I wasn't improving. Please read my post in reference to this : https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/my-experience-with-tinnitus.12076/

I had a build up of earwax and was apprehensive about having microsuction but she assured me it is the "best" method of earwax removal. She advised me to use olive oil eardrops 3x a day for 10days to soften the wax and she would carry out the procedure. I had no problems. She done this a 2nd time 6 months later and I had no problems. Approximately 8 months later an ENT doctor performed microsuction again and I had no problems.

I have had ear irrigation at my GP surgery 3x which was carried out by a nurse and I had no problems. The build up of wax is caused by using White noise generators regularly. Some people that wear hearing aids also have this problem with earwax build up. To help prevent this from happening, I now apply eardrops 2 to 3 times a week to keep the wax soft and often it exits the ear by natural means.

The problems that some members in this forum mention caused by microsuction or irrigation, is mostly due to not applying eardrops 3x a day to each ear for 7 to 10 days to completely loosen the wax before having it removed.


The problems that can occur with earwax build up are as follows:

Fullness in the ear
Tinnitus
Hearing loss
An ear infection
Vertigo
Itchiness
Dizziness

Michael

 

[Bill Bauer]

It is still not clear to me whether microsuction is sufficiently more effective compared to the manual method that it is worth the risk.

 

[Michael Leigh]

It is still not clear to me whether microsuction is sufficiently more effective compared to the manual method that it is worth the risk.

As I have said. Whatever method of earwax removal one tries it's best to apply olive oil eardrops 3x a day for 7 to 10 days before the procedure. A member in this forum had earwax removed manually and ended up with tinnitus! Please click on the link: https://www.tinnitustalk.com/thread...-clogged-a-bit-and-muffled.21654/#post-248933

 

[glynis]

@Bill Bauer ,
Wax can get crusted around your drum and any kind of wax removal can cause problems if not used olive oil drops for 7-10 days first.
Our ears are so delicate so preparing our ears before wax removal is the best thing to do .
Love glynis

 

[robHing]

I have had ear irrigation at my GP surgery 3x which was carried out by a nurse and I had no problems.

Michael -

Thank you for your explanation of your ears irrigation experience.
Due to wearing earplugs, the earwax accumulated in my ear.
I had my right ear (only one ear) earwax syringing done the other day in my GP office.
My T was louder immediately afterward. I was a little worrying and panicky.

I have done some google search and found the below explanation -

"Some people have reported that ear syringing actually caused their tinnitus. ...
If the wax has been blocking the ear and reducing the sound getting in,
the increased loudness of the sound after wax removal can increase awareness
of tinnitus temporarily. "

I feel a little relief now. Besides, my GP is very good. she did the earwax syringing carefully.
My T becomes louder could be due to ear wax removed and the sound comes into ear clearer.
But, it will take some time to subside.

Robert