What is the best option for my Impacted Ear Wax?

Question

I went to the doctor yesterday due to having discomfort in my left ear. I knew it was earwax and I've had it for a long time, but I heard it doesn't do anything and can leave it in there so I did. Well it always causes a lot of itchiness and discomfort so I decided to get one of those Ear Wax Removal kits (Debrox). Well after I used it and used the bulb syringe (used about two times in two days) it started causing pain. So I decided to go to the doctor and he tried using irrigation, but it didn't come out. He said it was very impacted and that he barely saw the eardrum and said it was red. So he said put some mineral oil and come back after a few days. Well I'm guessing he's gonna do the irrigation thing again. But that was very uncomfortable and now I've been hurting continuously for two days and I can barely sleep. So I'm wondering should I just go back to my General Physician or should I go to a ENT specialist? I hear he will use a microscope to get out the earwax instead of the irrigation technique. Will the microscope be more effective and not cause as much discomfort and pain or is the irrigation technique better? Which one would be the better option?

Answer 1

You should go to your ENT, to get the ear wax out. Using q tips just pushes the ear wax down even deeper in your ear. You should always clean out your ears every 2 to 3 days anyway to prevent buildup. Using the irrigation technique will be better, but you need to see your ENT instead of your general physician.

Answer 2

I had this happen to me as well.

I used the Debrox, but what I found is that the compacted ear wax had formed a hard dry crust on the top, so the Debrox really didnt do any good.  

So, i used warm water (not hot, you will burn your ear, bad) and flushed it a lot for a couple days.  When in the shower I would let the water run in my ear for about 5 mins, I would flush it every time I went to the bathroom, and would let water sit in my ear for about 5 mins at a time periodically.  

After about a couple days the Debrox started working.  The bottle said that you would hear popping and crackling, and I never did until I got that hard layer soften up.  After that, it took about 4 times with the Debrox and I got it all out.

I never used a bulb syringe, I just used a regular syringe to squirt water in, and then tilted my head over to let it drain out.  My oncologist cautioned me that the pressure of the bulb syringe sucking back in could damage my ear drum.

Answer 3

for now it will be the physician if he cant solve the problem it will have to go through the ears nose throat specialist. have to wait it out try taking advil or alieve any mild pain reliever and suck it up  

Answer 4

There is no question that an ENT specialist has more frequent experience with your condition. They will also use the most appropriate procedure for your condition.