ear wax

[berniecuddles]

is there a safe way to get rid of ear wax myself or should a visit to the docs be in order!
thx

[Infomaniac]

The best and safest way is to have it vacuumed out by a nurse using a special implement. If your surgery does not provide this service ask if there is a hospital near you that does it.

[Sqad]

Go to the GP, but put either Earex or warm olive oil to soften the wax for about 3 days before you go.

[berniecuddles]

thx guys

[jno]

dripping some warm olive oil or baby oil into your ear may melt it (lie on your side while it's done).

[jno]

or ear drops

http://www.wisegeek.c...to-remove-ear-wax.htm

[Infomaniac]

I have had ear problems over the years because I wear hearing aids and I was told by my audiologist never ever to put olive oil in my ear despite the advice of doctors/nurses. It is certainly not necessary if you have earwax extracted by the vacuum method, although I understand it is used to soften the wax when it is syringed out.

[NazNomad]

Ear candles

[Sqad]

The "Audiologist" eh!.............blimey that is final then "not to put Olive oil in the ear"..................Nonsense.

[Infomaniac]

Squad - I am only a layperson so how does one know whom to believe when given opposing advice by health specialists? :o)

[Sqad]

Infomaniac...........come on.......Audiologist OR doctor............surely it must be the latter.

[Infomaniac]

Sorry, my mistake - I got mixed up with the person I see re my hearing aids. I am talking about my consultant who specializes in ent problems. :o(

[Sqad]

Info.....I cannot understand a Consultant giving you that advice............???

[Infomaniac]

He was very definite and annoyed that I had been told to do this by my practice nurse.

[Sqad]

Info.............i am mystified.

[anneasquith]

naz. what are ear candles. and do they work ?

[NazNomad]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ear_candling

[Wak]

For many years I've used a few drops of 3% or 6% Hydrogen peroxide for ear wax.
First one ear keeping the head on one side for about 5 or 10 minutes and then the other ear. It fizzes and bubbles as it dissolves the wax. Never had problems with it and it's cheap enough from the local chemist.

[boxtops]

Go do your GP surgery - no need to see the doc, most practice nurses these days are trained in ear syringing. As suggested, they will probably suggest a few drops of oil in the ear before the procedure is undertaken - but they will advise when you make the appointment.

[boxtops]

^^ I can only speak for practice nurses in Kent (which you are!)