[Virtual Geezer]

Originally Posted by 784caroline

Scary is not being able to hear. I go to an ENT every 6-8 months and get the ears cleaned. They use the vacuum method and the initial noise (sound) of the vacuum may bother some but its actually painless and quick. ONe thing that I do to prep the removal of wax is I do use ear drops a day before I see the ENT. Ear drops by itself does not clean out my problem.

Give my solution a try and you will not have to see the ENT for wax build up again. The alcohol dissolves the wax as the peroxide bubbles and loosens it from the ear canal and ear drum. A tip of the head in the other direction and the fluid drains into the Kleenex and you are done. Like I mentioned you may have to repeat the process 3 or 4 times to get everything but it is painless and works.

VG

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

The active ingredient which if not peroxide is something like it loses it's punch after awhile. New drops work better.

If it doesn't foam or fizz a little it is probably past it's prime.

Kinda like beer.

I found some newer drops in the refrigerator, never opened, so I tryed it this morning. There was a little fizz, not a lot, but I think it did some good. I'll keep trying for a few more days.

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by Virtual Geezer

There is ABSOLUTY NO reason to go out and buy expensive ear wax removal products as you are wasting your money.

Here is a technique that was recommended to me many many years ago by a ENT doctor that I went to because of wax build up. Get some 70% rubbing alcohol and a bottle of hydrogen peroxide. Mix a batch of 50% alcohol and 50% peroxide. Get a cotton ball and one Kleenex. Soak the cotton ball until it absorbs the mix, take it along with the Kleenex and head to the bed room. Lay on the bed and squeeze the cotton ball over your ear to allow the solution to flow into the ear. Don't over do it here with a lot of the solution. You will hear the solution bubbling in your ear. Wait a minute or two (maybe longer) and then put the Kleenex over the ear and sit up. Dob the ear to remove the solution. DO NOT put anything like a Q-tip or anything else into the ear canal. The dissolved ear wax will be absorbed by the Kleenex.

Now you may have to repeat this over again a few times depending on how bad the build up is. Also you may have to pull on the ear lobe while the solution is in the ear the get it to flow to the ear drum, and again this depends on the build up.

Never use one of the ear wax products that uses a rubber ball type of method to flush the ear canal. The doctor told me that all that does is pack the wax against the ear drum and does not correct the problem.

There was just a video regarding ear wax on WSJ. Here is a link and I hope it works.

The Good, the Bad and the Eww of Earwax Removal - WSJ.com

Trust me I have been using the 50/50 mix for over 20 years and it does work. I now have a bottle of the solution on hand for use whenever I need it. I also take a small bottle along when ever I travel as I find some bed pillows seen to be more prone to causing the normal ear wax build up to pack against the ear drum.

VG

I have the hydrogen peroxide so all I need is the 70% rubbing alcohol. But I would prefer to use an eye droper thingy rather than a cotton ball. I suppose I could buy one? Or maybe use an empty ear-drops container?

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

Why wouldn't your insurance just pay the doc visit?

Well, yesterday (friday) the doctor wasn't in so it's too late for this weekend. I'll call the office on monday and see what they say. If my GP can do it, there won't be any charge. If I have to go to a specialist, there will be a $25 copayment. In the mean time I'll see what I can do myself.

[Virtual Geezer]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

I have the hydrogen peroxide so all I need is the 70% rubbing alcohol. But I would prefer to use an eye droper thingy rather than a cotton ball. I suppose I could buy one? Or maybe use an empty ear-drops container?

I use 70% but if you have a lesser percentage go ahead and give it a try.

I find the cotton ball a lot easier in that I just hold the soaked cotton ball over the ear and squeeze to let the solution into the ear. The cotton never touches the ear. I don't like the eye dropper because I don't know where or when it was used last and for what. The cotton ball goes into the waste basket when done and there is no muss or fuss and no cleanup.

VG

[NotGolfer]

Some months ago I was having a sinus infection etc., so went to Urgent Care. The practioner there said I also had a bunch of wax in one of the ears. Told me to go to the drugstore and get some drops for that and do as directed. He then had me come back and he did an "ear-wash". My hearing was clear and it all felt so refreshing afterwards!

[villagerjack]

Seeking medical advice on a web site is not recommended.

[2 Oldcrabs]

I have a hearing problem also. Seems to be worse when the wife is speaking to me.

[Joaniesmom]

Originally Posted by Virtual Geezer

There is ABSOLUTY NO reason to go out and buy expensive ear wax removal products as you are wasting your money.

Here is a technique that was recommended to me many many years ago by a ENT doctor that I went to because of wax build up. Get some 70% rubbing alcohol and a bottle of hydrogen peroxide. Mix a batch of 50% alcohol and 50% peroxide. Get a cotton ball and one Kleenex. Soak the cotton ball until it absorbs the mix, take it along with the Kleenex and head to the bed room. Lay on the bed and squeeze the cotton ball over your ear to allow the solution to flow into the ear. Don't over do it here with a lot of the solution. You will hear the solution bubbling in your ear. Wait a minute or two (maybe longer) and then put the Kleenex over the ear and sit up. Dob the ear to remove the solution. DO NOT put anything like a Q-tip or anything else into the ear canal. The dissolved ear wax will be absorbed by the Kleenex.

Now you may have to repeat this over again a few times depending on how bad the build up is. Also you may have to pull on the ear lobe while the solution is in the ear the get it to flow to the ear drum, and again this depends on the build up.

Never use one of the ear wax products that uses a rubber ball type of method to flush the ear canal. The doctor told me that all that does is pack the wax against the ear drum and does not correct the problem.

There was just a video regarding ear wax on WSJ. Here is a link and I hope it works.

The Good, the Bad and the Eww of Earwax Removal - WSJ.com

Trust me I have been using the 50/50 mix for over 20 years and it does work. I now have a bottle of the solution on hand for use whenever I need it. I also take a small bottle along when ever I travel as I find some bed pillows seen to be more prone to causing the normal ear wax build up to pack against the ear drum.

VG

I'm on my way to the drug store to purchase the alcohol. Thanks so much for the tip. This situation has bothered me for a long time and I was embarrased to ask anyone for help.

Thanks so much!

[2BNTV]

Went yestesday to have ear wax removed by my doctor. I had lost three ear buds from my hearing aides.

He pulled out the wax and the three hearing buds, Worth every penny. LOL

OP is right as it is very refreshing to be totally clear of ear wax.

[zcaveman]

I have had ear wax removed by Urgent Care. They used a water irrigation method. I also had ear wax removed by my hearing aid doctor when they were checking my hearing aids for a problem.. He use a suction tube method.

Both worked well.

Z

[Debfrommaine]

Husband had same issue year or so ago. Initial visit with specialist was $150 but now that's he's and "established" patient it's $45 for the ear cleaning.

[coolkayaker1]

I'm a doctor. Virtual geezers solution and method sounds reasonable. Fresh Debrox or generic equivalent with a blue ear bulb for washing the ear moderately vigorously with warm, not hot or cold, tap water takes care of the majority of issues, and if done every 6-12 months, works for most. If that $10 remedy does not work, a doctor will be necessary.

[Villages PL]

Many thanks to everyone who offered advice. In the future I may give the do-it-yourself method another try. This time, because my attempts made it worse, I decided to go to my (GP) doctor. I called for an appointment monday morning and just got back from having it done.

My GP did it in his office so there was no charge to me. And there was no "machine". It was a plastic spray bottle with a 10" tube coming out the nozzle. At the end of the tube there's a special fitting to keep the tube from going too far into the ear. I believe it contained only warm water because he kept adding more at the sink. Then he used metal tweezers several times to pull out big globs of wax. Not exactly high tech but very effective.

So now I have normal hearing; it's great to be able to hear again.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

Many thanks to everyone who offered advice. In the future I may give the do-it-yourself method another try. This time, because my attempts made it worse, I decided to go to my (GP) doctor. I called for an appointment monday morning and just got back from having it done.

My GP did it in his office so there was no charge to me. And there was no "machine". It was a plastic spray bottle with a 10" tube coming out the nozzle. At the end of the tube there's a special fitting to keep the tube from going too far into the ear. I believe it contained only warm water because he kept adding more at the sink. Then he used metal tweezers several times to pull out big globs of wax. Not exactly high tech but very effective.

So now I have normal hearing; It's great to be able to hear again.

Good for you. You can't beat that price and done by a doctor is the safest way.

I know how good it is to hear as I just had it done myself by a doctor.