My ears have a disgusting tendency to overproduce wax so, over the years, I’ve had times where it accumulates to the point of having to see the doctor for the professional roter routing. I usually use Debrox (or some other OTC ear cleaning stuff) for a few days before hand first–I’ve rarely been able to get it all out on my own, but doing this first softens the accumulation considerably and makes what the doctor does feel much less uncomfortable. If it hasn’t come out, I call the doc and go in to get my head hosed. Last time he got so much out I had to remain sitting for a little while because I got quite dizzy. Then he had to go and show me what was in the bowl–like he was so proud of it! Why does he always do that?!
So, all of you just wait until it gets bad and then use bulbs and oils and visit clinics? Isn’t there some kind of routine (daily) treatment that is good to do?
Actually, my doctor said that when I shower I should let the warm water run into my ears to keep things moist in there. He also recommended the use of the OTC stuff about once a month to try to stave off the more intrusive solution. I do all of that but still have to do the professional cleaning about once a year. But Qadgop (or some other knowledgeable Dopers) may have other suggestions for preventive measures.
I’m a veteran with this problem! I’m allergic to dust and it clogs me up everywhere - nose, ears etc. and worse still - it’s virtually impossible to avoid the stuff! :rolleyes:
I’ve had to have my ears syringed 6 (!!!) times in my life (including one time on holiday in Egypt) which is NOT good for your ears. Anyway this is the ultimate, and best way to get rid of clogged wax build-up but only a last resort.
I find those ear drops don’t work and the best way of getting wax out (before taking the drastic step of syringing) is a drop of OLIVE OIL in each ear (or just the affected one if you want). My doctor advised me to put a drop in each ear once a month but of course I don’t ever remember until it’s too late but if you feel your ears getting a little bit clogged it can help to stop the build-up before it gets too bad. Let the oil sink in and do its work. It will soften the wax and said wax will eventually pop out in a little ball.
BTW your momma was right about cue-tips. They’re really dangerous. You can burst your eardrum at worst, scratch or damage the surface of it, get cotton strands stuck in your ear - painful (this happened to my BF’s mother) etc. My doctor says he’d ban them if he was in power and said that you should never stick anything smaller in your ear than your finger covered with a tissue/handkerchief and even then you should be gentle and not jiggle about too much (especially as this can drive the wax further in and compact it more).
All bow to YoudNeverGuess, Lord of Earwax Removal! But seriously, thanks for the tip. I’m definitely going to try that and see how it works for me–it just ain’t fun getting your head hosed out.
lauramarlane, I’ve had to get my ears cleaned out several times, about once a year or so. A couple times back I became horribly dizzy, nearly to the point of passing out. When I went in last time I asked that they only try picking it out since I just hate the dizzy feeling I get from the water treatment. They ended up having to use water since picking it out wasn’t working. They also told me that using warmer water would reduce the dizzy effects. When they did this I experienced virtually no dizziness. If you have to have it done again, ask them to use as warm of water as possible and this should make you feel better about it.
Since I’d still rather deal with this problem myself and not take the risk of compacting the earwax by using Q-Tips™ I’m going to print out this thread and keep it on file and try using the home remedies others have suggested.
Thanks for the tip, ** dwc1970**, I’ll remember that. Of all the times I’ve had my cleaned out, this was the first time I actually got dizzy–but he really got a big plug of wax out!
Okay, TMI overwith. Don’t the Japanese have a special device for cleaning out the ears? I did a quickie Google, but didn’t find anything except ebay listings for Hello Kitty ear cleaning devices–couldn’t find them through the link either.
Alright, I admit it! I USE Q-TIPS! every morning as a matter of fact, right after I shower. I do a very light swabbing of the outer parts of each ear and have never, ever had problems with wax build-up since I started this regimen. When I was younger, my mom would periodically use either hydrogen peroxide or mineral oil to help remove build-up or to help get out water that was trapped in there while swimming. There’s my two cents.
Hope it crawls through and comes out the other ear? Without laying eggs in the brain, of course.
Seriously, the hydrogen peroxide thing has always worked for me. Sometimes it takes a few doses. Feels really funky, too; not painful, exactly, but definitely weird and uncomfortable.
Outer ear- warm H202, applied with an eyedropper, as many have said. However, it sounds to me like the inner ear.
In that case, take some Sudaphed. If you have allergies, take some antihistimine also. About a half-hour later, chew gum with vigour. Assuming of course, you have no bad reactions to either OTC drug.
I’m just glad to see there are so many others out there with this problem. I thought I was a freak! haha Maybe I am but at least there seem to be plenty of other freaks out there to keep me company
