Hey there!
Welcome to the Digital Spy forums. If you’d like to join in, please sign in or register.
Sign In Register
Quick Links
- Categories
- Recent Discussions
- Best Of...
MusicAndTV Posts: 2,940 Forum Member ✭✭✭
17/07/20 - 10:09 in Advice #1
So yesterday I noticed my hearing had become muffled all of a sudden. I’ve had problems in the past to do with ear wax build up, and found the use of ear drops worked.
Rang my GP this morning after realising my ears were very muffled, and he advised to use olive oil ear drops for 2 weeks. This is because I didn’t report any pain or discharge, and so he said it’s most likely just build up.
This evening, I have used the drops. However after using them my hearing has gotten worse. I almost feel deaf now, the muffled ears have gotten worse and the volume of hearing is worse. Can barely hear what my family are saying to me.
I read that this is a possible effect of the ear drops, and that things might worsen before they get better. But I don’t get how this happened. I’m really really scared that I might have permanent hearing damage. Should I seek medical attention, or is this a common effect?
1
«123»
-
Nigel Goodwin Posts: 59,213
Forum Member
✭
17/07/20 - 10:31 #2
I wouldn't be concerned, putting olive oil in your ear is obviously going to block your hearing somewhat. The main point of it is to soften and loosen the blockage, so if it needs removed at the doctors it's easier and safer for them to do so.
From my personal experience of olive oil, I wouldn't expect it to actually help in any way - but doctors insist on it before they will get involved.
As with many things doctors tell you, I suspect the main reason is that it may well clear itself over the 2 weeks they have got rid of you for. I also expect that they won't be very interested in seeing you during a pandemic either!.
3
-
embrascot Posts: 648
Forum Member
✭✭
17/07/20 - 10:34 edited 17/07/20 - 10:36 #3
You are putting a viscous liquid into your ears which is softening the wax already there causing a greater barrier from the outer ear to the eardrum. Presumably you are using small wads of cotton wool to prevent the olive oil from running out when you tilt your head.
Possible effect? Definite effect when you restrict access to the ear canal.
Just put up with it and worry when your hearing improves so much after getting your ears syringed that you can hear your soft clothes rustling.
1
-
glasshalffull Posts: 22,291
Forum Member
✭✭✭
17/07/20 - 11:43 #4
Unless you pumped the olive oil into your ears using a piece of high pressure equipment of the sort used to clean a patio/decking you will have done no damage of any kind...oddly enough when you put anything in your ears...be it solid or liquid it affects your hearing..weird that.
-
Marti S Posts: 5,920
Forum Member
✭
17/07/20 - 11:50 #5
I know the doctors don't recommend it but I have always used ear wax remover drops, seems to dissolve the wax qickly
-
c4rv Posts: 30,441
Forum Member
✭✭✭
17/07/20 - 12:13 #6
Marti S wrote: »
I know the doctors don't recommend it but I have always used ear wax remover drops, seems to dissolve the wax qickly
Not sure why your doctor doesn't recommend the ear wax remover. Mine said they are fine, but olive oil is just as effective at a fraction of the cost.
3
-
Nigel Goodwin Posts: 59,213
Forum Member
✭
17/07/20 - 12:16 #7
c4rv wrote: »
Marti S wrote: »
I know the doctors don't recommend it but I have always used ear wax remover drops, seems to dissolve the wax qickly
Not sure why your doctor doesn't recommend the ear wax remover. Mine said they are fine, but olive oil is just as effective at a fraction of the cost.
Depends what they are? - olive oil is only the first attempt - next is usually sodium bicarbonate drops. Presumably there are others that are more effective still?.
However, I don't think ANY are particularly effective.
-
MusicAndTV Posts: 2,940
Forum Member
✭✭✭
17/07/20 - 14:13 #8
Nigel Goodwin wrote: »
I wouldn't be concerned, putting olive oil in your ear is obviously going to block your hearing somewhat. The main point of it is to soften and loosen the blockage, so if it needs removed at the doctors it's easier and safer for them to do so.
From my personal experience of olive oil, I wouldn't expect it to actually help in any way - but doctors insist on it before they will get involved.
As with many things doctors tell you, I suspect the main reason is that it may well clear itself over the 2 weeks they have got rid of you for. I also expect that they won't be very interested in seeing you during a pandemic either!.
Yes - it was a telephone consultation! In normal circumstances it would have been face to face.
-
MusicAndTV Posts: 2,940
Forum Member
✭✭✭
17/07/20 - 14:15 #9
embrascot wrote: »
You are putting a viscous liquid into your ears which is softening the wax already there causing a greater barrier from the outer ear to the eardrum. Presumably you are using small wads of cotton wool to prevent the olive oil from running out when you tilt your head.
Possible effect? Definite effect when you restrict access to the ear canal.
Just put up with it and worry when your hearing improves so much after getting your ears syringed that you can hear your soft clothes rustling.
Yes, I do use cotton wool to prevent that.
When can I expect the wax to actually start falling out though?
-
Andrue Posts: 23,545
Forum Member
✭✭✭
17/07/20 - 14:29 edited 17/07/20 - 14:32 #10
The OTC ear drops usually work for me - I can hear them bubbling away. But I've had occasions when even they have left me even more deaf after use. These days I make my own saline solution. After a few days things usually improve. It also helps to use a Netti pot, possibly the problem in my case is at both ends. Whatever - I wash out as much as I can with saline solution and it usually goes away eventually.
Very annoying though.
I have narrow canals and often find that yawning will temporarily improve my hearing.
Oh and I've been told not to use cotton wool to keep the oil (or anything else) inside. Lie down for five minutes on the opposite ear then tilt your head back over and let it all run out. You should find most of the wax comes out at that point.
1
-
SillyBoyBlue Posts: 3,445
Forum Member
✭✭✭
17/07/20 - 14:32 #11
Nigel Goodwin wrote: »
c4rv wrote: »
Marti S wrote: »
I know the doctors don't recommend it but I have always used ear wax remover drops, seems to dissolve the wax qickly
Not sure why your doctor doesn't recommend the ear wax remover. Mine said they are fine, but olive oil is just as effective at a fraction of the cost.
Depends what they are? - olive oil is only the first attempt - next is usually sodium bicarbonate drops. Presumably there are others that are more effective still?.
However, I don't think ANY are particularly effective.
If you persevere with the olive oil drops, it will work.
When you first use it it may feel even more blocked, but do it every day for a week (or two) and the wax will definitely soften and start to fall out by itself.The best way is to warm the oil first (don't get it too hot though or you'll be in serious pain!); tilt your head and put a few drops of oil in the ear, or as much as you can before it starts dribbling down your neck. Then stay in that position for five minutes at least. Straighten up and wipe any excess oil away with tissue.
It may seem a hassle that you may have to wait a couple of weeks for it to clear the ear, but it's better than having your ear syringed, which should be a last resort because there's a very small risk of permanent damage to the eardrum.
1
-
Macca Posts: 19,143
Forum Member
✭✭
17/07/20 - 14:33 #12
Pardon?
-
c4rv Posts: 30,441
Forum Member
✭✭✭
17/07/20 - 15:06 #13
MusicAndTV wrote: »
embrascot wrote: »
You are putting a viscous liquid into your ears which is softening the wax already there causing a greater barrier from the outer ear to the eardrum. Presumably you are using small wads of cotton wool to prevent the olive oil from running out when you tilt your head.
Possible effect? Definite effect when you restrict access to the ear canal.
Just put up with it and worry when your hearing improves so much after getting your ears syringed that you can hear your soft clothes rustling.
Yes, I do use cotton wool to prevent that.
When can I expect the wax to actually start falling out though?
Wax should soften in a few days. You can syringe you ears with warm (not hot) water. Just don't squirt it in too fast. Some of the OTC solutions come with a rubber bulb for syringe else you can get syringes cheaply at chemists.
1
-
Nigel Goodwin Posts: 59,213
Forum Member
✭
17/07/20 - 15:07 edited 17/07/20 - 15:08 #14
SillyBoyBlue wrote: »
Nigel Goodwin wrote: »
c4rv wrote: »
Marti S wrote: »
I know the doctors don't recommend it but I have always used ear wax remover drops, seems to dissolve the wax qickly
Not sure why your doctor doesn't recommend the ear wax remover. Mine said they are fine, but olive oil is just as effective at a fraction of the cost.
Depends what they are? - olive oil is only the first attempt - next is usually sodium bicarbonate drops. Presumably there are others that are more effective still?.
However, I don't think ANY are particularly effective.
If you persevere with the olive oil drops, it will work.
Sorry, but I would completely disagree - it didn't work for me, and I don't know anyone who it has worked for (and I know lot's who have tried it).
When you first use it it may feel even more blocked, but do it every day for a week (or two) and the wax will definitely soften and start to fall out by itself.
The best way is to warm the oil first (don't get it too hot though or you'll be in serious pain!); tilt your head and put a few drops of oil in the ear, or as much as you can before it starts dribbling down your neck. Then stay in that position for five minutes at least. Straighten up and wipe any excess oil away with tissue.
I placed the bottle in a cup of warm water, to get it to a comfortable temperature, and left in in place for around 15 minutes each time, and every day for a number of weeks.
It may seem a hassle that you may have to wait a couple of weeks for it to clear the ear, but it's better than having your ear syringed, which should be a last resort because there's a very small risk of permanent damage to the eardrum.
Apparently they haven't syringed ears for a number of years now.
-
anthony david Posts: 14,949
Forum Member
✭✭
17/07/20 - 15:43 edited 17/07/20 - 15:45 #15
Surgeries no longer syringe ears due to the small chance of damage, instead they send you to a clinic where the task is performed by skilled practitioners who usually use a vacuum extractor although they may syringe if they think that is a better option. You can book directly in my area where the local ear clinic is in Sale. For the extractor to work you must have put olive oil in your ears three times a day for four days to soften the wax. It is very effective in my experience.
-
Maxatoria Posts: 17,980
Forum Member
✭✭
17/07/20 - 15:53 #16
Have seen beauty places advertising earwax removal service (before covid) and it was about £30 according to the sign outside.
Generally if mine start to play up i lie on a pillow with the affected ear on the pillow for a few hours and then use a cotton but to pull the easier bits out but it takes a bit of patience but by the gods you can be amazed how much wax hides in there.
-
comicsansserif Posts: 3,884
Forum Member
✭✭✭
17/07/20 - 15:58 #17
It's pretty obvious that looking through the replies here along with personal experience, it's about time that doctors stopped fobbing patients off with the olive oil nonsense. I think if most of them had experienced a wax build up and the associated loss of hearing then they'd know that patients want an instant relief. It can be very frustrating and builds up anxiety to lose hearing due to this. My brother suffers badly from regular build ups but was recently able to get an appointment straight away with a specialist who vacuumed the gunk out. She told him she's surprised that there aren't high street drop ins like there are chiropodists and barbers considering the number of people who have such problems. She also told him that olive oil does very little to help. like any liquid put in the ear it will tend to run out and may occasionally bring out some wax with it, but rarely. The idea that it softens the was is true, but it can make the problem worse because the wax expands as it absorbs the oil. In most cases the wax doesn't need softening for her to remove it with tools or vacuum.
-
c4rv Posts: 30,441
Forum Member
✭✭✭
17/07/20 - 16:24 #18
comicsansserif wrote: »
It's pretty obvious that looking through the replies here along with personal experience, it's about time that doctors stopped fobbing patients off with the olive oil nonsense. I think if most of them had experienced a wax build up and the associated loss of hearing then they'd know that patients want an instant relief. It can be very frustrating and builds up anxiety to lose hearing due to this. My brother suffers badly from regular build ups but was recently able to get an appointment straight away with a specialist who vacuumed the gunk out. She told him she's surprised that there aren't high street drop ins like there are chiropodists and barbers considering the number of people who have such problems. She also told him that olive oil does very little to help. like any liquid put in the ear it will tend to run out and may occasionally bring out some wax with it, but rarely. The idea that it softens the was is true, but it can make the problem worse because the wax expands as it absorbs the oil. In most cases the wax doesn't need softening for her to remove it with tools or vacuum.
The point of the wax is that you can be less aggressive removing hardened wax. The war drum is incredibly fragile and the less pressure you apply the better.
As mentioned, the wax may well need assistance once soften. The advice is not to use cotton buds but to syringe which you can do at home.
4
-
Wolfsheadish Posts: 10,400
Forum Member
✭✭
17/07/20 - 16:58 #19
I had one of my ears syringed at the beginning of the year because of wax build-up. It wasn't the pleasant experience I'd been anticipating! Apparently some people have a bad reaction (extreme dizzyness and nausea) and I was one of them. Consequently I only had one ear done instead of both.
-
MusicAndTV Posts: 2,940
Forum Member
✭✭✭
17/07/20 - 17:00 #20
SillyBoyBlue wrote: »
Nigel Goodwin wrote: »
c4rv wrote: »
Marti S wrote: »
I know the doctors don't recommend it but I have always used ear wax remover drops, seems to dissolve the wax qickly
Not sure why your doctor doesn't recommend the ear wax remover. Mine said they are fine, but olive oil is just as effective at a fraction of the cost.
Depends what they are? - olive oil is only the first attempt - next is usually sodium bicarbonate drops. Presumably there are others that are more effective still?.
However, I don't think ANY are particularly effective.
If you persevere with the olive oil drops, it will .
When you first use it it may feel even more blocked, but do it every day for a week (or two) and the wax will definitely soften and start to fall out by itself.The best way is to warm the oil first (don't get it too hot though or you'll be in serious pain!); tilt your head and put a few drops of oil in the ear, or as much as you can before it starts dribbling down your neck. Then stay in that position for five minutes at least. Straighten up and wipe any excess oil away with tissue.
It may seem a hassle that you may have to wait a couple of weeks for it to clear the ear, but it's better than having your ear syringed, which should be a last resort because there's a very small risk of permanent damage to the eardrum.
This might sound like a dumb question, but how should I warm the oil up? On the stove or in the microwave, and how long for?
-
Tellystar Posts: 12,253
Forum Member
✭✭
17/07/20 - 17:59 #21
Nigel Goodwin wrote: »
c4rv wrote: »
Marti S wrote: »
I know the doctors don't recommend it but I have always used ear wax remover drops, seems to dissolve the wax qickly
Not sure why your doctor doesn't recommend the ear wax remover. Mine said they are fine, but olive oil is just as effective at a fraction of the cost.
Depends what they are? - olive oil is only the first attempt - next is usually sodium bicarbonate drops. Presumably there are others that are more effective still?.
However, I don't think ANY are particularly effective.
I am using Otex hydrogen peroxide drops for my husband’s build up of wax, which break up the wax . It’s less messy than oil. I don’t put cotton wool in afterwards because it will just absorb the solution, and reduce the effect. Just keep the head sideways for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate properly. I also use audiclean - a saline solution , which you squirt in the ear to wash out loosened bits of wax. I do have a rubber bulb syringe which I have used once. Because he makes a lot of wax , which he allowed to build up for a long time, it’s going to take a while to fully clear it.
-
c4rv Posts: 30,441
Forum Member
✭✭✭
17/07/20 - 19:00 #22
MusicAndTV wrote: »
SillyBoyBlue wrote: »
Nigel Goodwin wrote: »
c4rv wrote: »
Marti S wrote: »
I know the doctors don't recommend it but I have always used ear wax remover drops, seems to dissolve the wax qickly
Not sure why your doctor doesn't recommend the ear wax remover. Mine said they are fine, but olive oil is just as effective at a fraction of the cost.
Depends what they are? - olive oil is only the first attempt - next is usually sodium bicarbonate drops. Presumably there are others that are more effective still?.
However, I don't think ANY are particularly effective.
If you persevere with the olive oil drops, it will .
When you first use it it may feel even more blocked, but do it every day for a week (or two) and the wax will definitely soften and start to fall out by itself.The best way is to warm the oil first (don't get it too hot though or you'll be in serious pain!); tilt your head and put a few drops of oil in the ear, or as much as you can before it starts dribbling down your neck. Then stay in that position for five minutes at least. Straighten up and wipe any excess oil away with tissue.
It may seem a hassle that you may have to wait a couple of weeks for it to clear the ear, but it's better than having your ear syringed, which should be a last resort because there's a very small risk of permanent damage to the eardrum.
This might sound like a dumb question, but how should I warm the oil up? On the stove or in the microwave, and how long for?
Olden way was in a teaspoon over a candle for a few seconds. Now you can use a small bottle of it in hot water or a few seconds in the microwave. You just want it warm, not hot.
-
tealady Posts: 26,310
Forum Member
✭✭✭
17/07/20 - 19:27 #23
Olive oil simply softens the wax to allow effective syringing.
However vacuum treatment is far more effective and did not require any softening.
The downside was paying for it privately at a hearing centre. -
Tel69 Posts: 28,005
Forum Member
✭✭✭
17/07/20 - 20:06 #24
Tellystar wrote: »
Nigel Goodwin wrote: »
c4rv wrote: »
Marti S wrote: »
I know the doctors don't recommend it but I have always used ear wax remover drops, seems to dissolve the wax qickly
Not sure why your doctor doesn't recommend the ear wax remover. Mine said they are fine, but olive oil is just as effective at a fraction of the cost.
Depends what they are? - olive oil is only the first attempt - next is usually sodium bicarbonate drops. Presumably there are others that are more effective still?.
However, I don't think ANY are particularly effective.
I am using Otex hydrogen peroxide drops for my husband’s build up of wax, which break up the wax . It’s less messy than oil. I don’t put cotton wool in afterwards because it will just absorb the solution, and reduce the effect. Just keep the head sideways for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate properly. I also use audiclean - a saline solution , which you squirt in the ear to wash out loosened bits of wax. I do have a rubber bulb syringe which I have used once. Because he makes a lot of wax , which he allowed to build up for a long time, it’s going to take a while to fully clear it.
Sodium Bicarbonate ear drops does a better job at a fraction of the price. My local chemist recommended it last year and I wouldn’t use Otex again.
3
-
Toby LaRhone Posts: 12,916
Forum Member
✭✭
17/07/20 - 22:21 #25
anthony david wrote: »
Surgeries no longer syringe ears due to the small chance of damage, instead they send you to a clinic where the task is performed by skilled practitioners who usually use a vacuum extractor although they may syringe if they think that is a better option. You can book directly in my area where the local ear clinic is in Sale. For the extractor to work you must have put olive oil in your ears three times a day for four days to soften the wax. It is very effective in my experience.
Yep, about £30/40 per lug hole.
Mine extracted what looked like a piece of Tarmac chipping and declared it to be large
Previously, many years ago, the syringe method produced what looked like a paperless cigarette.
Predictably, this time I was recommended to consider hearing aids.
I said "Yes, it is lovely weather isn't it" and left.1
-
R2Y5A0N2 Posts: 54,679
Forum Member
✭
17/07/20 - 23:25 edited 17/07/20 - 23:27 #26
This happened with my ears several times.
I used warm olive oil in my ears, before being prescribed the olive oil ear drops which still didn't work.
Both times I ended up having ear irrigation at the GP surgery.
Ear irrigation is where water is used to flush the wax out.
«123»
Sign In or Register to comment.
