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Excess ear wax now ringing in ears

(37 Posts)
HeavenLeigh Mon 21-Apr-25 21:21:49

For the last two weeks I’ve had dizziness nausea plugged ears been to drs twice, been given ear drops no change but tonight constant ringing pulsating I one ear, I have an appointment tomorrow with audiologist for a microsuction procedure anyone had this? And how did you feel afterwards. I feel as if I’m going deaf now in both ears, no cold before this started,

Salti Mon 21-Apr-25 21:55:38

My husband had microsuction on his ears a few weeks ago. It took a few minutes and improved his hearing immeasurably.

HeavenLeigh Mon 21-Apr-25 21:58:27

I’m looking forward to being able to hear Salti

Wyllow3 Mon 21-Apr-25 22:12:41

It's definitely worth a try as long as the doctor has not suggested it's contraindicated. Had it and it helped some time ago.

I lost nearly all my hearing in both ears 3 weeks ago and my tinnitus got worse all which was very frightening and assumed it was wax.

I was given Sodium Bicarbonate drops for one ear which was wax and the other ear turned out to have an inflammation which caused the hearing loss and given drops against the inflammation. Result - Better than for some time. took about 9 days for both ears.

Good luck for a great outcome, if it doesn't work out as well as you'd hoped talk to the audiologist? Could be other issues?

RedRidingHood Mon 21-Apr-25 22:14:38

It's bliss. Far more comfortable than old school syringing.
Lots of places do it privately as the NHS seldom do it now. I go about every 3 months as I wear hearing aids, costs around £60

HeavenLeigh Mon 21-Apr-25 22:27:52

Thankyou Wyllow.yes I was given sodium bicarbonate drops too I don’t think it’s really done anything nor has the olive oil drops . Will see what the audiologist says tomorrow,

valdavi Mon 21-Apr-25 22:28:19

Microsuction's not uncomfortable (unless you, like me once, get it done by a harrassed ENT registrar in a hurry, & that's unlikely!) but it does make me cough sometimes, just an annoyance though.
I need to use an olive oil spray beforehand to soften everything, but this isn't as neccessary as with syringing.

HeavenLeigh Mon 21-Apr-25 22:28:53

Mine will cost £70 and worth every penny if it helps

Jaxjacky Mon 21-Apr-25 22:33:02

I have mine microsuctioned twice a year, not painful, might ‘tickle’, the worse bit is when they show you the picture and the gunk!!

Charleygirl5 Mon 21-Apr-25 23:37:17

HeavenLeigh* you should put drops in both ears tonight to make it easier for the microsuctioning. Each place is different but at the last, nobody would touch my ears until I had put drops in for 10 days.

Microsuctioning is so easy, quick and totally pain-free.

Calendargirl Tue 22-Apr-25 07:08:13

DH makes a lot of wax since wearing hearing aids, has microsuctioning quite regularly, costs £60 now, but waiting time on the NHS is ridiculous.

Money well spent.

Sallyforth Tue 22-Apr-25 07:20:12

I'm following this thread with interest as I'm struggling with loud tinnitus and dizziness at the moment. I'm hoping to speak to a Dr today. I had to book assistance flying back to the UK yesterday. If there's a long wait to see someone I will be asking for a referral letter. I can't go on like this. I was very sick.

luluaugust Tue 22-Apr-25 07:37:30

It’s possible it’s not just earwax but blocked Eustacian tubes. Look up various methods for helping to clear them.

Ilovecheese Tue 22-Apr-25 08:12:35

I have an appointment for microsuction this afternoon!

Sallyforth Tue 22-Apr-25 08:16:22

Fingers crossed for you Ilovecheese. Hope it solves the problem for you.

Charleygirl5 Tue 22-Apr-25 10:50:14

I thought my earwax and general old age were causing my deafness, so I got it checked, and I have a benign brain tumour affecting my hearing, as it is placed somewhere close to my left ear. Get it checked.

Elvera1 Tue 22-Apr-25 19:56:24

I had microsuction privately a few months ago, as I couldn’t hear anything and had buzzing in my ears.
The lady was wonderful, very knowledgeable and the relief was amazing. The vibration was a bit uncomfortable at times, but it was worth it to hear again. Would definitely recommend.

Elvera1 Tue 22-Apr-25 19:58:17

She had a camera and you could see right inside your ears, the ear that I thought was ok was even more blocked than the troublesome one!

bridie54 Tue 22-Apr-25 20:11:40

My friend wears 2 hearing aids and has had microsuction (paid privately but done by a part time NHS trained nurse who works privately from home). It is quick and effective with no after effects.
She recently had an Audiology appointment which i attended with her and was advised to use her softening ear drops once a week.

Jaxjacky Tue 22-Apr-25 20:15:20

I use Earol every night as advised my the pharmacist that sorts my ears.

Dennis2 Fri 25-Apr-25 03:53:08

I've experienced a similar issue, and the microsuction procedure was quite helpful. It’s a safe and effective way to remove excess ear wax. After the procedure, I felt relief from the pressure and improved hearing almost immediately. The ringing and dizziness also decreased over the next few days. Make sure to discuss any concerns with the audiologist, and follow their aftercare advice closely. If symptoms persist, consider consulting an ENT specialist for further evaluation. Hope you find relief soon!

Glenfinnan Sat 26-Apr-25 13:37:40

I had microsuction on my ears but the audiologist had to also use an old fashioned syringe to remove all the wax! I too use earhole on a regular basis!

Ilovecheese Sat 26-Apr-25 14:21:35

Thank you Sallyforth. The first visit I was seen by a very nice pharmacist who had done the training but had never actually done the procedure before so I was his guinea pig. He removed a lot of wax but was defeated by a stubborn piece. So he asked his more experienced colleague to have a look.
The experienced colleague said that I should carry on with the olive oil drops for a couple more days then come back.
I did so and a couple of days later my hearing cleared . Mr Experienced Colleague confirmed that the oil had done the job.
He also refused to take payment because it was not all removed by them.
All in all a very positive experience

Redactrice Sat 26-Apr-25 14:24:05

I would definitely benefit from microsuction, but am reluctant to go for it in case it’s unsafe or unwise for someone who’s had ear/balance problems in the past. Some 50 years ago I was diagnosed with vestibular neuronitis and referred to the Royal Ear Hospital, where they did the watch-the-butterfly-on-the-ceiling-while-we-pour-water-into-your-ears test and then told me I’d lost the balance in both ears. I’ve nevertheless managed to stay upright ever since, but over the years I’ve had numerous episodes, usually when changing position to lying down, of the room spinning at a rate of knots. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

Frogs Sat 26-Apr-25 14:48:53

I have had micro suction several times - I believe GPs stop doing the old fashioned ear syringing because micro suctioning is a safer procedure as there’s no risk of a burst ear drum ? . This procedure isnt available on the NHS in our area so we are expected to pay privately. Costs vary according to where you go between £60 - £70 for both ears. This can get expensive if like my husband you need it doing about every 3 months.
I was told to use ‘Earol’ refined olive oil between appointments as some olive oil is too thick and other remedies can have a burning effect ?