ear wax
 

Called local ENT office for ear wax removal. Snippy receptionist informed me the initial visit would be about $350.00. I asked her if she was drunk or just stupid and hung up. Got any suggedtions for a good doctor?

Can't vouch for this, but a friend of mine once suggested that I go to one of hearing aid offices for a hearing check. Apparently, they can't check the hearing until they clean the wax out. It would be free. I haven't done it yet, but am seriously considering it.

Ear Wax
 

Just a note of information, my ENT in York, PA used to tell me a person who was in good health had no ear wax build up, ones that did had some health problems......best get your family physician to check you out.

I would go to urgent care where they are reasonable and there is not much of a wait, if any at all.

Pick up the OTC solution of 'Debrox' at any pharmacy (or Publix) and follow the directions It is the standard treatment for some wax accumulation.

Perfect response Midge!

This board sure is great - you guys get into everything on here!

Please be very careful about dispensing and following amateur medical advise. There is no substitution for a professional medical evaluation.

ear wax
 

I went to Lake County Hearing 3 weeks ago, and they charge me $35.00 and they did a thorough job, I was impressed.

Many years ago I had an ear problem and went to an ENT doctor. He did a cleaning and told me in the future to avoid an office visit to just get some cotton, isopropyl rubbing alcohol (I use the 70% solution) and hydrogen peroxide. Mix up a 50/50 solution of the alcohol and peroxide. Soak the cotton and while laying on a bed let the solution drain into your ear. Let it work for a few minutes. Next cover your ear with a tissue and tilt your head the to the other side and dob the solution from the ear. The solution will disolve the wax and the bubbling of the peroxide will losen the wax off the eardrum.

You may have to do this 3 or 4 times to get things really cleaned out. Your hearing will be a little odd for a few minutes after doing this but it goes away in a few minutes. It works great.

Use Lake County Hearing on a regular basis. $35.00

Ear wax buildup, unless excessive, is perfectly natural and acceptable (health wise). No need to remove on regular basis. Unless of course you experience pain, difficulty hearing, dizziness etc. Then see a doctor ASAP.

Russ,

I agree.

Long ago in a far away place (I was about 30 and lived in NY) had ear wax removed for the first time. Asked the doctor "Is this normal, will I have to have this done again?" he responded "Unless something happens you'll probably have to do this again in about 25 to 30 years".
He was right on the money. Had it done again about 2 years ago.

Not gonna tell you if it was 25 or 30 years later.:girlneener:

Is there a problem with using Q-Tips daily (being careful of course)..gn

Q tips
 

I have had several doctors over the years tell me to never ever put anything smaller than my pinky in my ear. They say it is easy to go too deep or irritate the canal and cause damage. Was told by one it is one of the largest causes of scaring in the ear canal. Ask your doctor on your next visit.

I agree Trudy.

True story: About 2 months ago my daughter was using Q-tips to clean her ears and her husband walked by unaware that she was cleaning her ears. He bumped her hand playfully and she shoved that Q-tip up against her ear drum. Fortunately it didn't tear the drum but it was damaged and it took her almost a month to completely recover. She was LUCKY!

Clean your ear with your pinky covered with a tissue or cloth. That keeps the wax out of others sight but protects your valuable ear canal.

As my mother aged, her ears exuded more wax than when she was younger. Her doctor told us to use baby oil or mineral oil, warm it slightly, and pour into the affected ear. After a few minutes, lay down with that ear facing downward and let the oil drain onto a a double-folded towel. The warmed oil melts and removes the wax. This may take several treatments. Just be sure not to make the oil too hot, test it like a baby bottle on the inside of your arm.

The earlier post about alcohol and peroxide works well to maintain cleanliness and to avoid another waxy build-up.

Good luck!

Absolutely!

Also agree with TrudyM, nothing smaller than your pinky in the ear.

Dr. Oz says
 

On Dr. Oz's TV program yesterday, he demonstrated ear wax removal using baby oil, resting on that ear for a few minutes, then removing with one of your fingers covered with a soft towel or something soft like a tee shirt.

I go to Dr. Christopher Bald of Ocala Ear, Nose & Throat. He is located at 2120 SW 22nd Place in Ocala. He takes care of ear wax for me - it is painless and he is very entertaining !

I have a cogenital ear wax buildup that requires a cleaning every six months.
I have experienced pain if this procedure is not performed in a timely manner and have had my ears clogged like wearing earplugs, (the loss of hearing was very noticeable to me). I go to an ETN specialists to have this done.

During these visits, I was informed by an ENT doctor never to stick anything in your ear like Q-Tips because if inserted too far, there is a possibility of eardrum damage.
In addition, when taking a shower, it is advisable not to let the shower spray hit your ear directly as the force of the spray could also cause a damaged ear drum.

Hope this helps someone.

Serious Ear Wax
 

Thanks, 2BNTV --

I have exactly the same condition and I agree with everything you said.

Be wary of advice for home remidies -- they do not always apply.

Another idea
 

Have someone blow in your other ear..... :oops: