Painful ear wax removal procedure

[TR888]

Hi, I had my ears vacuumed a couple of days ago and found the process very painful. My right ear was eventually fine, after at least 10 minutes.,. I gave up in my left ear after a similar length of time as I couldn't tolerate the pain.

I was told this could happen (the pain) and it was nothing to worry about, but it just doesn't seem right. I'd put a bit of olive oil in my ears in advance, but clearly not enough. I'm due to return on Saturday and I'm dreading it. Any advice?

Maybe keep putting drops in to keep the wax soft

I had that - by the time you get to a situation where you need your ears hoovered it will probably be quite inflamed. the wax will be stuck to the eardrum and the inflamed skin around it will be sore.

Now that some of the wax has gone, what remains is being softened by oil and the pressure is hopefully reducing, it should be better when you go back.

Can you delay the appointment to ensure any hardened wax is fully softened. My mum went to an excellent lady who has just set up her own business after 10plus years in audiology work. She had a go but said the wax was too hard so sent my mum away with instructions to use olive oil then returned for a second appointment free of charge. I think it was at least a week inbetween. Is it worth lying with the ear downwards on a hot water bottle in a towel in bed, see if anything runs out, not your best towels obviously. Good luck. Earache is the pits...perforated eardrum, grommets etc so you have my sympathies. PS in the sporner corner people have posted the findings from ear suctioning sessions...gross but weirdly amazing what can come out of people's ears.