Should ear wax hurt this much?

[DetailMouse]

I've had a bit of an earache for a while. Saw the nurse who advised there was dry wax, use olive oil for a week. No improvement, do it for another week.

She's telling me syringing is not necessary and not recommended, but I do wonder if this is simply because they don't offer it on the NHS anymore. She inferred they don't do it because it can cause more harm than good.

Anyway I carried on with the olive oil for another couple of weeks, still no improvement.

Then I tried the Otex drops. Within 24 hours I'm now deaf (hearing wasn't affected before) and the ear is really very painful. Is this because the drops are working? I.e the wax has softened and expanded?

Anyway I've given in and booked an appointment for syringing this afternoon. Please tell me I'll get immediate relief. It really hurts!

They usually vacuum ears now, syringing can cause damage.
Wax can be painful and ear infections can happen as a result. You must have been by now, any improvement?

Otex is pretty harsh on the skin so that's likely what's causing the pain.

You can be referred on the NHS for micro suction but it could be many months as they've pulled the funding for it.

Easiest option is to Google ear wax removal near you and pay to have it out. Micro suction is usually the safest and easiest method but syringing (irrigation) still also has its place.

Oh sorry I missed that you'd already booked an appointment!

Yes, she vacuumed first then irrigated, which seemed to be a pressure washer for my ears. That actually hurt quite a lot! I can hear again now and pain much reduced, but still a bit sore, which I'm hoping is just from the irritation and will be better by morning.

Hope you feel better in the morning.

Micro suction is much better than syringing imo!