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Original poster

blocked ear still

41 replies

Queenfierce · 15/04/2024 23:47

After a long 8 days of having a blocked right ear I went to the chemist today and had it suctioned anyway the chemist said they couldn't get it all out and to continue to use olive oil drops for another 3 days and return for a second go is this normal last time i had this done it cleared first time now I'm freaking out 😳

OP posts:
EBearhug · 16/04/2024 00:54

I had mine suctioned and had to go back twice. They did compliment me on my use of olive oil to soften it up though. They referred me to my GP, who referred me to ENT, because they thought they could see some infection. ENT gave me an MRI (which i assume was fine, as I've not heard more,) then suctioned me again and (may have taken a swab, i can't remember,) and gave me antibiotic drops to use for a week, and my ears are clear, and I can HEAR! I have the TV on a noticeably lower volume. I am being very good about not using cotton buds and about using earplugs in the bath/shower and at the swimming pool (I'm not giving up swimming though.)

It took months in the end.

But I think it's not unusual to have to go back. They said to me that part of the reason for referring me to ENT is they have a better range of instruments and so on there, so it's easier for them to remove stubborn wax with less risk of damaging the ear drum - but in my case, it was also to check for infection.

So in summary- don't freak out about it. It's not unusual not to get it all in one go.

Original poster
Queenfierce · 16/04/2024 11:44

Ahh good to know this how did you cope with work during this time I am so deaf in my right ear

OP posts:
EBearhug · 16/04/2024 13:31

I have been out of work for longer than my ear was really problematic. My boyfriend complained a lot, though.

I was fine with headphones, and when I did work, I was in IT with an international team, so most calls/meetings were online anyway. There were other deaf people round the office, one with a cochlear implant, one you just made sure you were on his left side, not his right, if you were speaking to him. I was doing a teaching course, and I had to ask some of the quieter students to speak up - I said at the start of class I was having hearing problems and they'd need to speak loudly.

Shiveringinthecountry · 17/04/2024 16:50

Unless the chemist has some real experience with this you could go to a local audiologist instead.

Original poster
Queenfierce · 17/04/2024 16:53

EBearhug · 16/04/2024 13:31

I have been out of work for longer than my ear was really problematic. My boyfriend complained a lot, though.

I was fine with headphones, and when I did work, I was in IT with an international team, so most calls/meetings were online anyway. There were other deaf people round the office, one with a cochlear implant, one you just made sure you were on his left side, not his right, if you were speaking to him. I was doing a teaching course, and I had to ask some of the quieter students to speak up - I said at the start of class I was having hearing problems and they'd need to speak loudly.

Thank you I am now trying otex express

OP posts:
Original poster
Queenfierce · 17/04/2024 16:54

Shiveringinthecountry · 17/04/2024 16:50

Unless the chemist has some real experience with this you could go to a local audiologist instead.

I presume they are trained to do it I was looking elsewhere but no appointments chemist have asked me to go back tomorrow to try again 😩

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Tootsey11 · 17/04/2024 18:37

You should never have your ears suctioned, ever.

Original poster
Queenfierce · 17/04/2024 20:13

Tootsey11 · 17/04/2024 18:37

You should never have your ears suctioned, ever.

It was microsuction and never had a issue having it done before need them unblocked for work

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EBearhug · 17/04/2024 23:49

Tootsey11 · 17/04/2024 18:37

You should never have your ears suctioned, ever.

ENT did it at the hospital.

MissCeltic · 18/04/2024 01:47

A blocked ear is so frustrating. Last year I got a really bad throat infection and my ear was totally blocked for 3 months. It was maddening.

Reugny · 18/04/2024 01:53

Tootsey11 · 17/04/2024 18:37

You should never have your ears suctioned, ever.

I think you mean syringed as that uses water.

Original poster
Queenfierce · 18/04/2024 05:14

MissCeltic · 18/04/2024 01:47

A blocked ear is so frustrating. Last year I got a really bad throat infection and my ear was totally blocked for 3 months. It was maddening.

It really is frustrating wow 3 months you poor person that must have been horrific for you I have already had enough of it 😳

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Tootsey11 · 18/04/2024 07:34

I will repeat what I said, you should never have your ears suctioned ever. Ent won't tell you this, doctors won't tell you this. It can cause permanent hearing damage and severe tinnitus that cannot be fixed. This is not something I am making up. If you need wax removal ask for manual only, which can be done, but you need to ask. It is absolutely crazy that they are still suctioning and syringing people's ears when this damage has happened to so many people.

Original poster
Queenfierce · 18/04/2024 12:05

Tootsey11 · 18/04/2024 07:34

I will repeat what I said, you should never have your ears suctioned ever. Ent won't tell you this, doctors won't tell you this. It can cause permanent hearing damage and severe tinnitus that cannot be fixed. This is not something I am making up. If you need wax removal ask for manual only, which can be done, but you need to ask. It is absolutely crazy that they are still suctioning and syringing people's ears when this damage has happened to so many people.

Do You have evidence to prove this? I have had this done before and no issues

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Marghogeth · 18/04/2024 12:22

Try clearing your eustachian tubes. Take a deep breath, hold your nose, and blow steadily. I also found looking up helped.

ItsAllMoo · 18/04/2024 13:47

Hey , i went yesterday to have mine done and had same situation!! It's beyond frustrating 😭 i too am extremely deaf.

Just a heads up , i was told Otex is no good (i too have been using them!) and to use only 100% pure olive oil which i found at Superdrug. I am booked in again for 2 weeks and hopefully it will be resolved!

I wish you luck 😊

Original poster
Queenfierce · 18/04/2024 15:47

Marghogeth · 18/04/2024 12:22

Try clearing your eustachian tubes. Take a deep breath, hold your nose, and blow steadily. I also found looking up helped.

Unfortunately that didn't work for me either i tried it 🫤

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Original poster
Queenfierce · 18/04/2024 15:48

ItsAllMoo · 18/04/2024 13:47

Hey , i went yesterday to have mine done and had same situation!! It's beyond frustrating 😭 i too am extremely deaf.

Just a heads up , i was told Otex is no good (i too have been using them!) and to use only 100% pure olive oil which i found at Superdrug. I am booked in again for 2 weeks and hopefully it will be resolved!

I wish you luck 😊

Oh no I feel for you I will stop using otex aswell now I didn't know that was using olive oil drops before that

Hopefully some relief for us both very soon its awful being deaf 😒

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ItsAllMoo · 18/04/2024 16:01

It sure is!
My husband is being as patient as possible with constantly repeating himself to me 🫣 😂

I do hate how much it is costing though! But I desperately want to hear and will pay the price! No chemist near me does it yet so i am having to go to specsavers 😨

Original poster
Queenfierce · 18/04/2024 16:13

ItsAllMoo · 18/04/2024 16:01

It sure is!
My husband is being as patient as possible with constantly repeating himself to me 🫣 😂

I do hate how much it is costing though! But I desperately want to hear and will pay the price! No chemist near me does it yet so i am having to go to specsavers 😨

Haha ny husband is the same I have had to say sorry can't hear you lol 😆

The chemist charge but not as much as specsavers I paid £30 2nd attempt is free but after that it's back to paying
If it doesn't work I don't know this time

Soo frustrating 😫

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BingoMarieHeeler · 18/04/2024 16:15

I know a weird amount of people who have had hearing loss lately. Weird virus going round then sudden hearing loss. Needs to be seen within 48 hours otherwise turns permanent. My pal early 30s has just been fitted for a hearing aid!

CandiedPrincess · 18/04/2024 16:20

You need to get them microsuctioned properly, it's a miracle-worker. I got mine done via NHS at Specsavers but you can also pay to have it done, it's about £55 and it's done by an audiologist, they put a camera down there first to see what's going on.

CandiedPrincess · 18/04/2024 16:21

Oh sorry just saw you had it microsuctioned, that's so weird then, mine were so blocked and it was instant relief!

Original poster
Queenfierce · 18/04/2024 18:10

CandiedPrincess · 18/04/2024 16:20

You need to get them microsuctioned properly, it's a miracle-worker. I got mine done via NHS at Specsavers but you can also pay to have it done, it's about £55 and it's done by an audiologist, they put a camera down there first to see what's going on.

I have paid for them to be done it wasn't free

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Original poster
Queenfierce · 18/04/2024 18:12

BingoMarieHeeler · 18/04/2024 16:15

I know a weird amount of people who have had hearing loss lately. Weird virus going round then sudden hearing loss. Needs to be seen within 48 hours otherwise turns permanent. My pal early 30s has just been fitted for a hearing aid!

I had microsuction they said themselves I had loads of wax and some very stubborn hard wax left in the ear so sent me away and asked me to go back today which I changed as I ended up busy but going back tomorrow it was a paid service I don't think it's a virus

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