Ear wax removal

[CriticalAlert]

I've suffered from ear wax build up in right ear for years. I usually use medicated olive oil to remove it, but when this didn't work I saw the nurse at GP surgery who washed it out. I understand that this isn't done via NHS GP nurses any longer (which is a bit daft in my opinion)...so I need to get a private microsuction done. Has anyone had any experience with these places? Do they work? Are they OK? I'm a bit concerned that anyone seems to be able to set these clinics up and I'm worried about ear damage!! Thanks.

I use drops regularly too but sometimes it still builds up. Some people are just prone to it. I heard it might be genetic, and my Dad and my daughter get it. Just got my ears done today at a portocabin in Morrisons car park as it was the only place I didn't have to wait for 2 weeks for an appointment. Had the problem since sunday and neither drops twice a day nor the ear bulb were doing anything. painless and quick (very quick due to the drops softening it). Cost £55. I am enjoying the loudness of the world right now!

Check out the wonderful Rhys Barber at Audiology Associates

https://youtube.com/@AudiologyAssociatesUK

Only time microsuction gets a bit ‘wincey’ is if there’s wax up against the ear drum.
Otherwise it’s noisy but fine.

Hi all, first I’ve heard of micro suction (excuse the pun!) but would this work for a child with glue ear? She’s pretty deaf in one ear and says the other is now blocked. GP advised olive oil drops which we’ve been doing for a couple of months now but no joy. GP did say it can take up to 12 weeks to clear but I’d really like to help her before then if I can. Thanks

Oh, I had my done by an NHS nurse last month. Due to blockage. I did have to wait 6 weeks, but no fuss about booking me in.

I wonder if it's another location specific offering ffs.

I had mine done by Specsavers in greater London. It was brilliant, no cancellation. They were a bit opaque on website where you needed to use olive oil but sounds to them in person and they said I should for a few days. Experience was totally painless, like a mini hoover. She showed me the wax build up on camera. (Sadly you couldn't see the tool removing it on camera). I could see what came out though 🤢. Very satisfying!

Mine was all against the ear drum but because I'd softened with the oil, it was totally fine.

dH did it on Tuesday . Really quick and painless. I think it saved my sanity, because him not hearing what I said and my having to repeat it three times was dire.
The place he went is part of a chain , used Microsuction and he said it was very clean etc.

I feel like my hearing is getting worse. I've used one of those Smart Bud tools myself, I have no wax visible at all. Is it worth trying for one of these specialists to see what they can do? I haven't really got £65 to spare, but I'd find it if it really helped my hearing. Also told years ago that I have narrow ear canals.

@CriticalAlert I am on the NHS ear clinic, I go to the hospital every 4 months to have them done. I didn't know about this until a very severe ear infection a few years ago (haven't suffered about 5 per year before that 🙄) where the lovely ENT @ A&E then put me on the clinic. She was v surprised my GP hadn't already put me on it. Can you ask if this is available in your area?

@CriticalAlert before that I was paying £90 a time so I am very pleased! Where abouts in the UK are you?

It's not about money for ear syringing, it's about safety. The risk of perforation and damage to the eardrum is high, also can cause Tinnitus which can be very debilitating. The NICE guidance is for micro suction which is much safer.

Have you tried using Otex Express or Earex Advance ear drops? They work really well for me even if my ear drum is blocked, though sometimes it takes several rounds over the course of an evening.

The active ingredient is urea hydrogen peroxide.

Cheap compared to microsuction.

Thanks for your message. I will ask. I'm 68 and just recovering from a bad fall where I broke 6 ribs. I don't want ear problems to make me dizzy and fall again.

Hmm I think glue ear is something different…. Isn’t it fluid on the other side of the eardrum?
But then I don’t know why the GP would suggest using olive oil.

Yes that’s what GP said, fluid behind the ear drum due to cold and mucus from nose getting blocked in eustachian (sp?) tube and olive oil drops to help break it up 🤷‍♀️ I’ve also been doing a lymphatic drainage massage to help move the fluid but when I saw this thread I thought I’d ask.
Im guessing wax is in front of the eardrum therefore easier to get to?
Thanks for your reply x

So I’m pretty sure micro suction would not help your DC at the moment.
Hopefully it will clear up for you and DC.

If you don't mind me asking how did you get an NHS nurse to do this? Thanks

Thank you for replying, I don’t think so either but it was worth an ask x

My dh used to pay 80 a go and needs it every few months. He took note of the syringe thing the lady used and bought one online for 110. Now does it himself for free. It just squirts so no risk of damage and its exactly the same. All the stuff comes out so it works well! He has very sensitive ears too and no issues.

I recommend Specsavers. They use micro suction and there was no discomfort and no residue. They charge £35 and we’ll worth the money.