Blocked ear and syringing

[Spidey66]

Went swimming a few days ago, and now my ear is blocked. Its painful, im deaf, and it's ringing. I've been putting olive oil drops in it and if anything its worsening.

I've had this before, and whats always sorted it has been syringing.

I went to a minor injuries/walk in yesterday because the pain was getting worse to be told the NHS no longer do syringing. The NICE guidelines now recommend micro suction for blocked ears but this is only done privately. Instead the NHS will refer to audiologists for hearing aids.

Hearing aid referrals for blocked ears? Come again? I'm only deaf for want of a brief intervention!

This is ridiculous!

BBC News - Why ear wax syringing is no longer free - minister
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-54296737

That is ridiculous.

I do recommend microsuction though it’s annoying that you have to pay for it

If its painful, is it not likely to need antibiotics for infection? Asking as I am in this situation this week!

Specsavers do both ears £55.
Free if there is nothing to suck out.
They do need a 10 day run up administering oil before the appointment.

I was surprised to discover it wasn't available from the GP my DDad has needed it regularly since he retired and no longer got it done in the foundry.

Yes. I know someone who now has to go private.
Was approx £36?
And she said the way it was done was more painful than when the NHS did it.

I feel for you as I had the same on holiday and it was incredibly painful. Has someone looked at your ear to check it isn't infected? I had to have antibiotic drops which really helped and then olive oil to clear the wax.

@AshGirl
I had them looked at in the walk in centre. They're not infected but badly blocked and certainly need something, but it seems the only way I can do it is privately! Another way the NHS is being privatised via the back door.

lady in Boots told me to hop on one leg
lucky for me i had microsuction from the GP

ask if your GP does microsuctioning?

Try a few drops of vinegar in the ear. May need to repeat after 12-24 hours.