It worked pretty well, I got good at it, but a few weeks ago I noticed the telltale crinkly sound in my left ear and when I would wake up in the morning, I couldn't hear anything out of that ear. I'd wiggle the ear, pull on it, and eventually get the wax away from the eardrum, but it wasn't working all that well. Now that I am a Medicare patient and have moved away from Boulder, I called the Center for Senior Health and figured they would just do the same thing I was used to. No, they sent me to a specialist, an ear doctor. I was a little disgusted that they couldn't just let me do the work, but apparently liability issues wouldn't allow it. (Probably had some old geezer whose eardrum got punctured and didn't want a repeat.)
Of course, I googled the doctor I was scheduled to see and learned he has an "excellent" rating. So I waited for the appointment and went to see him. I walked into his office at 2:10 pm, we chatted about my ear history, he got out a cute dainty little vacuum cleaner, and whoosh! my ears were clean as a whistle, and I walked out at 2:20 pm. And I could hear just fine! It was the best doctor visit I've had in a while, and I wasn't drenched from the top of my head to my elbow, either. (I didn't always have the best aim back there in Boulder.)
Since I have a very international bunch of blogging buddies, it got me to wondering what other people do when (if) they can't hear because of ear wax buildup. Is it just me? I don't think I've read about this question having ever been addressed before. Anybody?
:-)
I have wanted this done for years but our practice isn't keen on doing a wax clearout as they worry about the eardrum getting punctured. I am sure that wax is contributing to my hearing loss. Your procedure sounds just fantastic, glad you have the gift of hearing again! I think I'll look up the procedure and see if I can get it done here. X
ReplyDeleteHubby has the problem; so far, I haven't. But now I know what to look for. :D
ReplyDeleteI've had that problem twice. I know exactly what it feels like. First time it happened, I went to the doctor and he gave me some Earex to put into the ear to soften the wax. I did that for four days, then I went back and he removed the wax with the little douche that you describe. It worked just fine and I could hear perfectly well afterwards. A few years later it happened again and I had the same treatment. That was many years ago and I daresay that methods have changed a lot since then. I'm glad you had a good experience because now you won't mind going back again if he reoccurs. You have to be very careful with ears. They are delicate and easily damaged. I read once that the biggest thing you should put into your ear was a wet flannel! Anything smaller is dangerous. Good advice, I thought.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Star
I don't have that problem but my father had it. I am guilty of using a Q-tip from time to time to get out wax that I think is there but in truth isn't. Very interesting question. I also wonder how many senior citizens suffer from wax build up rather than actually being hard of hearing? Perhaps I'll have the doctor look in Bob's ears. I'm tired of yelling.
ReplyDeleteOh, I forgot, I was legal guardian for a homeless woman (homeless when I became her guardian not after) one time who had a hearing problem. I took her to an ear specialist and he used the little vaccum on her and it worked wonders. She was one thrilled lady.
I haven't had the problem yet, but it's nice to know there's an ear wax vacuum cleaner.
ReplyDelete...Wanda
I had wax build up so I inserted a Qtip and brought out a large piece of wax. My ear continued to feel itchy so I saw the ear doctor, who looked in my ear with a scope. He said there was some cotton from the Qtip as well as a tiny piece of wax on my eardrum!!!
ReplyDeleteHe poured alcohol into the canal and vacuumed it out -- all the while I lay on my back on a long, narrow bed.
So, all in all, it was not a simple procedure like yours, DJan!!!
I had all kinds of ear infections as a child and numerous treatments. It left me without normal earwax so needless to say the wax has not been a problem. I do remember as a small child having my ears drained.
ReplyDeleteI am starting to notice some hearing loss... I guess I will be the next one!
ReplyDeleteI have a regular encounter with this, about twice a year. The doctor used a syringe with warm water and flushed out the wax. Now I do it myself with a liquid by Murine to soften the wax and then use their squeeze applicator. Works quite well so far.
ReplyDeleteWithout medical insurance, I take matters into my own hands when I have this problem. Only happened twice in the past few years though. I pour some hydrogen peroxide into ear and after a few days the ear is clear. So glad you found a great ear doctor and had a good experience. And you have Midicare.
ReplyDeleteMy kids all have an extraordinary amount of ear wax, and we have to have them cleaned out at the doctor's office occasionally. We use Debrox drops in their ears to soften the wax as a preventative measure, but I occasionally forget to do it and it builds up to the point that they can't hear. I have a friend that has done ear candling, and I am thinking I will give it a try as I don't like using the chemicals in the kids' ears. I'll try it on myself first, but she does it on her kids without problems at all. :)
ReplyDeleteI have been working on a piece of wax in my right ear for weeks..it pops and buzzes and flutters..but has not come out yet..one of these days it may. I have read about that ear candleing..I would probably start something on fire. Sometime I use Hydrogen Peroxide in my ears..so far I am not saying EH or what?? too much. I am happy that you can hear again!! A vacuum..sounds interesting:)
ReplyDeleteI like this. It sounds like something I could do. I remember a long time ago when I smoked and had sinus infections constantly, the day this new doctor stuck iron needles up my nose and left them there for a while and then came back with what looked like a grease gun filled with something and gave me a vomit basin to hold under my ear. He removed the iron needles and stuck the end of the hose in my nose and push the grease gun lever down and I felt the oddest rush of water through all my sinus cavities and out my mouth into basin. I was cured and cleaned out.
ReplyDeleteBut it came back.
We are having some delightful weather here today. I have been out for a brief period and sat in a chair and listened to the birds singing and the mother robin scolding her baby about going there or here. The hummingbird popped in on me and left before I could really get a good look. I find I can fall asleep at the drop of a hat and it feels so good to wake up and realize it is still daylight. Your flowers are beautiful. I have some open but not much variety yet.
I've used candling for years and only have to do this maybe once a year...but it works like a charm. It helps if someone else does it for you. It's very soothing.
ReplyDeleteGlad you can hear now.
So far so good with the hearing thing... We've had candling done and find it really soothing. 'Nother alternative treatment there?
ReplyDeleteGuess I'm going to do some research on candling. Hmm... thought it had to do with finding fertile eggs!
ReplyDeleteMy family doctor told me to use hydrogen peroxide to soften the wax. Then it's supposed to come out by itself. I did it a few nights in a row and my hearing improved. I need to do it again for a longer period. But first, I'm going to google candling!
(Shh... Brady is asleep on my arm.)
Just read a couple of articles on candling... think I'll stick to the hydrogen peroxide!
ReplyDeleteJan,
ReplyDeleteA couple of years ago in Delhi I was approached by a man hawking his services as an ear cleaner. Intrigued but not convinced, I looked through his little "guestbook." Hundreds of comments in dozens of languages, all purportedly singing his praises. When he broke out a little leather case full of sinister-looking not-quite-dental implements, though, I lost my nerve. Perhaps that was the fate in store for you behind all of those doors in Bangkok....
ear candling is great. i had it done by an acupuncturist. it wasn't expensive, and it worked well.
ReplyDeleteHi DJan,
ReplyDeleteI came here after seeing your blog mentioned on Technobabe's Adventures. I'm very pleased to meet you. I have no experience with ear wax, but I do love foot massages. I could easily get hooked. Best of luck keeping the drums clean.