Syringe or suction (Ear Syringeing)

Member Name: degsy70

Product:	Ear Syringeing
Date:	05/02/09 (583 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: see review

Disadvantages: see review

OK so I know ear wax is not a pleasant subject but for a great number of people it can be a regular and often painful problem. I thought I would share my experiences in the hope that it helps others.
Approximately 5 years ago I started to get ear infections about every 2 months and each time I went to the doctor they would recommend I let it settle and then visit the GP nurse to get my ears syringed. I had visions of a giant syringe being stuck in my ear so was relieved to see that technology had moved on and that it was now a water based jet. The sensation is bizarrely quite pleasant and as long as the wax is loose then it should all be over within minutes.
The problem however is that wax isn't the same in everyone's ears and I found that I was wasting so many trips as it would not shift and I would get a telling off by the nurse for not using oil. Olive oil is mother natures Otex ear drops and is far better. Sadly for me it doesn't have much of an effect.
I was referred to the ENT clinic at my local hospital and was sent for 'Ear suctioning'. This procedure is completely harmless and is essentially 'hoovering' out the wax. The ENT sister explained to me that the 'jet wash' that they use in surgeries should be banned as it is water based and water can carry infections. It is also quite harsh on the ear canal and drum and if you have a hint of an infection then it will simply make matters worse.
The sister told me that anytime I need my ears suctioning to simply ring her and then turn up to the clinic. I have been doing this for 5 years now and the length of time between visits has dropped to only twice a year. GPs are historically loathed to refer to specialists but you are entitled as a patient to demand to see a specialist. If you are uncomfortable about the damage that the 'jet wash' may cause then I strongly advise you to go to your ENT clinic. Surgery nurses are fantastic but they are not skilled enough in my opinion to be sticking things in peoples ears, at one point I had a nurse stick a hook in my ear to try and dislodge some wax, one slip and god knows what damage she could have caused. This is not an attack on GPs or nurses I just think the specialists are better skilled.
I was also informed that Otex ear drops will burn the lining of your ear canal and will kill skin cells.
I hope this has helped some of my fellow sufferers

Summary: Happy suctioning