Ear irrigation at home?

[NaeRolls]

Hi all,

I'm sorry this is just a boring question -- I don't have any disgusting things recently removed from my body (just a treasured memory of squeezing what looked like a small, hard grain of rice out of my leg, and also a body blackhead which was very satisfying to remove).

Re ear irrigation - I've had it done at a GP clinic before, but where I live we pay quite a bit for GP visits, so I'm wondering if it's safe to do it myself at home? I don't want to somehow damage my eardrum. Also, which type/brand of machine should I buy?

Thanks!

Ear syringing is no longer recommended on NHS due to risk of damage to ear drum. Microsuctioing is the safer option but not so readily available on the NHS in all areas.
On that basis I feel that the home irrigation kits must surely be unsafe but I know people here love them.
The damage irrigation does to the tiny hairs in your ears can cause ongoing problems. Just make sure you research thoroughly before choosing

My father's world renowned ENT specialist (IKR who'da thunk there was such a person) expressly forbade ear irrigation as it is so damaging to the drum and ear canal. Microsuction every time. Don't mess with your hearing.

Thank you

Thank you, I'd never heard of ear suctioning.

I used to do irrigation at a GP practice. Suction is much safer. When irrigating there is a specific technique to it and direction in which the irrigator needs to be positioned. Doing it yourself is highly dangerous as you risk perforating your ear drum as can't see what you are doing.

Am assuming you've use warm olive oil to clean the ears out and let the wax naturally come away?

Ah, I'd forgotten that was an option, thanks for reminding me.

I’ve used ear candles and it’s great when you unroll the end and see all the wax ☺️

The only thing you should stick in your ear is your elbow.
See your GP

Get yourself an ear camera thingae
Amazing and you can gently scoop it out and see that you are doing

Tests have shown all the wax comes from the candles

Not only is it a thing, but you can watch videos of it on youtube

If you're in Hertfordshire can highly recommend Herts Earwax Removal

Thanks, but I'm actually in South Africa haha. Have just googled earwax removal / suctioning near me - apparently the local SpecSavers does it?? Must be like how shoe repair shops also do seemingly unrelated key cutting!

I have to have mine done once a year or else I end up with horrible blocked and painful ears, which twice led to infections in my 20s. The hoovering (microsuction) is brilliant. You'll feel like a superhero afterwards, everything is SO RUSTLY.