Ear Cleaning

[Thaiquila]

OK, this should be a little controversial.

I have seen these ear cleaning local barbers around Thailand, and witnessed the service on a friend up close, and it looked a little horrifying to me.

I have always been under the impression that you should generally never stick anything up your ear, that the ear naturally takes care of itself.

However, I don't have the best of hearing which I have attributed to an experience of watching the Dead Kennedys (if you know who that is, you win a cookie) up real close. My ears were ringing for a week after that.

Anyway, should I pay someone to stick foreign objects in my head?

[chuchok]

The only thing that you shoud put in your ear is your elbow.

If you really have a problem, then go and see an ear noise and throat specalist.

Thais get ear infections all the time, because they stick foreign objects in their mellon.

[camerata]

There's a good chance of getting an infection if you have your ears cleaned by a barber. Just do it yourself with good quality cotton buds which you keep in a sealed container.

This shouldn't affect your tinnitus in any way, assuming you haven't got perforated ear drums as well.

[GoodHeart]

^ I'd advise just the opposite- jabbing the cotton buds up your own ear canal blind would leave you more likely to get it wrong than would the efforts of another.

But, if you found a barber that used the 'ear wick' [or is it] 'ear candle' technique [yes, a flaming tube] you'd nip that debate in the bud, and preserve you inner ear tissues as well.

[Thaiquila]

Sorry for any confusion, but I don't have tinnitus now. Just not the best hearing and wondering if I have packed wax in my ears, but do not trust local barbers.

I was just wondering if it is really advisable to ever touch your ears unless there is a specific disease.

Related matter:

A good while back, I had to visit an ear nose and throat specialist for some kind an infection of some sort. He was a rude man and immediately blurted out you did this to yourself, you should never BLOW YOUR NOSE! Who would have thunk that.

[Abandon]

The only thing that you shoud put in your ear is your elbow.

If you really have a problem, then go and see an ear noise and throat specalist.

Thais get ear infections all the time, because they stick foreign objects in their mellon.

you SHOULD stick your elbow in your ear???

the phrase is 'stick nothing in your ear that is smaller than your elbow' - just clearing that up in case anyone took you literally

Don't let street guys clean out your ears. Ears are very susceptible to infection this way due to thin tissue linings.

If you need a dewax go to the ear, nose, throat and eye hospital and have them vacuumed - costs 500 baht and they suck all the wax out with a vacuum cleaner (a small one) It is hygenic and feels absolutely amazing afterwards - you can hear all kinds of sounds like the rustle of a shirt as you button it up.

Does it need doing? Well it is not vital, but chunks of wax do dry out and get lodged deep inside so it's not a bad thing to do once every few years.

The other way is to syringe them, but again get a doctor to do it - they blast warm soapy water into your ear and it is amazing just HOW MUCH crap comes out. You can see it in the sink. These days however specialists use the vacuum method which is much less of a shock. Can't hurt for anyone to have this done periodically.

I can't agree that Thai's always have ear problems. In fact it is hard to find a doctor who knows how to syringe an ear properly, where any regular Dr in UK can do it. Believe me I know this the hard way.

Anyway I know what I am talking about guys as one who has had bad ear probs most of my life.

As for cotton buds, it is ok to use a clean one, after washing the hands well, around the mouth of the ear canal, but really you are more likely to push any chunks of wax furthur in than get it out. Thus specialists recommend you not to do it. If the wax is very fluid then a dab of Canesten on a cotton bud, 2 or 3 times a day for 7 days should sort it out, and help with any skin irritation inside the canal. If there is pain, swelling, or loss of hearing it is likely to be a deeper infection which requires anti-biotics and maybe ear drops depending on the view of the doctor.

Edited May 27, 2005 by Pandit

[chuchok]

The only thing that you shoud put in your ear is your elbow.

If you really have a problem, then go and see an ear noise and throat specalist.

Thais get ear infections all the time, because they stick foreign objects in their mellon.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

you SHOULD stick your elbow in your ear???

the phrase is 'stick nothing in your ear that is smaller than your elbow' - just clearing that up in case anyone took you literally

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

emm...it was a joke told to me by a Doctor.Go on..try and put you elbow in your ear . I'll buy you a couple of pints if you can

[Boatabike]

The only thing that you shoud put in your ear is your elbow.

If you really have a problem, then go and see an ear noise and throat specalist.

Thais get ear infections all the time, because they stick foreign objects in their mellon.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

you SHOULD stick your elbow in your ear???

the phrase is 'stick nothing in your ear that is smaller than your elbow' - just clearing that up in case anyone took you literally

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

emm...it was a joke told to me by a Doctor.Go on..try and put you elbow in your ear . I'll buy you a couple of pints if you can

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Can i have the couple of pints b4 i try? I think it will help limber me ole elbow in ear technique.

[chuchok]

The only thing that you shoud put in your ear is your elbow.

If you really have a problem, then go and see an ear noise and throat specalist.

Thais get ear infections all the time, because they stick foreign objects in their mellon.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

you SHOULD stick your elbow in your ear???

the phrase is 'stick nothing in your ear that is smaller than your elbow' - just clearing that up in case anyone took you literally

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

emm...it was a joke told to me by a Doctor.Go on..try and put you elbow in your ear . I'll buy you a couple of pints if you can

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Can i have the couple of pints b4 i try? I think it will help limber me ole elbow in ear technique.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The truth of the matter is that when the Doctor told me I, actually tried He certainly thought it was funny!!

And no, no piss for you.

[Boatabike]

Ladies and gentlemen & thoes who may be both, here and now before your very eyes, without the aid of a safety net, and without prior intake of the proffered 2 pints of free beer I will place my left elbow into my right ear and with great precision and dexterity I will then remove a small piece of ear wax placed in aforementioned right ear by my lovely assistant (Debbie). (Drum beat, lights dim,) Trallaaa and as you can all plainly see I completely bolloxed it up oh well. Err can i have one free pint for trying?

[Abandon]

My okd kiwi boss used to get furious with me when I said 'can't ' - he said there's no such thing as 'can't ' till it comes to scratching your arese with your elbow. Bendy yoga folk can get maddeningly close ....

Nouwt so queer as folk.

[The Gentleman Scamp]

In England they have always said you shouldn't put cotton buds in your ear, but let's face it, most of us do or have done and I do a lot, especially after a shower or bath and I've always been careful, clean and okay.

One of the things I love about Thailand is that they are less affected by all the 'health & safety do this, don't do that' culture which is afraid of being sued for offering the wrong advice.

I do even recall seeing a pack of cotten buds with a diagram of how to clean the ear canal, because that is what I, and probably most prople have used them for - though they're also good for cleaning the lens of a DVD laser.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

" Cloudy with showers " Is that you or Dodgerland Scampy ?

[MP5]

The only thing that you shoud put in your ear is your elbow.

If you really have a problem, then go and see an ear noise and throat specalist.

Thais get ear infections all the time, because they stick foreign objects in their mellon.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

you SHOULD stick your elbow in your ear???

the phrase is 'stick nothing in your ear that is smaller than your elbow' - just clearing that up in case anyone took you literally

Don't let street guys clean out your ears. Ears are very susceptible to infection this way due to thin tissue linings.

If you need a dewax go to the ear, nose, throat and eye hospital and have them vacuumed - costs 500 baht and they suck all the wax out with a vacuum cleaner (a small one) It is hygenic and feels absolutely amazing afterwards - you can hear all kinds of sounds like the rustle of a shirt as you button it up.

Does it need doing? Well it is not vital, but chunks of wax do dry out and get lodged deep inside so it's not a bad thing to do once every few years.

The other way is to syringe them, but again get a doctor to do it - they blast warm soapy water into your ear and it is amazing just HOW MUCH crap comes out. You can see it in the sink. These days however specialists use the vacuum method which is much less of a shock. Can't hurt for anyone to have this done periodically.

I can't agree that Thai's always have ear problems. In fact it is hard to find a doctor who knows how to syringe an ear properly, where any regular Dr in UK can do it. Believe me I know this the hard way.

Anyway I know what I am talking about guys as one who has had bad ear probs most of my life.

As for cotton buds, it is ok to use a clean one, after washing the hands well, around the mouth of the ear canal, but really you are more likely to push any chunks of wax furthur in than get it out. Thus specialists recommend you not to do it. If the wax is very fluid then a dab of Canesten on a cotton bud, 2 or 3 times a day for 7 days should sort it out, and help with any skin irritation inside the canal. If there is pain, swelling, or loss of hearing it is likely to be a deeper infection which requires anti-biotics and maybe ear drops depending on the view of the doctor.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

the phrase is 'stick nothing in your ear that is smaller than your elbow' - just clearing that up in case anyone took you literally

Don't let street guys clean out your ears. Ears are very susceptible to infection this way due to thin tissue linings.

If you need a dewax go to the ear, nose, throat and eye hospital and have them vacuumed - costs 500 baht and they suck all the wax out with a vacuum cleaner (a small one) It is hygenic and feels absolutely amazing afterwards - you can hear all kinds of sounds like the rustle of a shirt as you button it up.

Does it need doing? Well it is not vital, but chunks of wax do dry out and get lodged deep inside so it's not a bad thing to do once every few years.

The other way is to syringe them, but again get a doctor to do it - they blast warm soapy water into your ear and it is amazing just HOW MUCH crap comes out. You can see it in the sink. These days however specialists use the vacuum method which is much less of a shock. Can't hurt for anyone to have this done periodically.

I can't agree that Thai's always have ear problems. In fact it is hard to find a doctor who knows how to syringe an ear properly, where any regular Dr in UK can do it. Believe me I know this the hard way.

Anyway I know what I am talking about guys as one who has had bad ear probs most of my life.

As for cotton buds, it is ok to use a clean one, after washing the hands well, around the mouth of the ear canal, but really you are more likely to push any chunks of wax furthur in than get it out. Thus specialists recommend you not to do it. If the wax is very fluid then a dab of Canesten on a cotton bud, 2 or 3 times a day for 7 days should sort it out, and help with any skin irritation inside the canal. If there is pain, swelling, or loss of hearing it is likely to be a deeper infection which requires anti-biotics and maybe ear drops depending on the view of the doctor.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

St Louis Hospital Sathorn Rd if you are in Bangkok a combination of warm water and suction. Don't stick the cotton bud into the canal you will as advised just further impact the wax. Having carried out said procedure up to 30 times per day. No complaints, positive feed back people/patient feels much more better and can hear. You would be surprised what one sees after 20 years. Lodged insects, peanuts, peas ( CHILD PATIENTS) and just plain cloggy wax. We used to Syringe but the combination of both is much more effective. Most describe it as a pleasant experience.

We need to examine the ear first to check for perforation. If you think you have like a fly or mosquito at any time in your ear. Has been known to happen.

Shine a penlight or torch into the patients ear. You'll know it's me when I ask you stick your finger in the other ear because the light just goes straight thru.

Not at St. Louis though but they are recommended.

Where ever seek treatment today, if the little loop or the probe comes into play.

See Ya. I want warm water and suction after a proper examination antibiotics to go if necessary. Please people not the barber or the salon get a facial or a manicure by all means. Again experience the patients I have seen who have perforations or impacted wax bought about by the inexperienced technician probing and pushing.

The phrase is 'stick nothing in your ear that is smaller than your elbow' CORRECT!

Edited May 28, 2005 by MP5

[pnustedt]

My wife cleans ears with hydrogen peroxide on cotton buds - it gives you a warm crackling sensation!

I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of Thai men have ear infections when I see them carrying coins around in them.

Edited May 28, 2005 by pnustedt

[MP5]

My wife cleans ears with hydrogen peroxide on cotton buds - it gives you a warm crackling sensation!

I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of Thai men have ear infections when I see them carrying coins around in them.

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FOR THOSE THAT ARE HARD OF HEARING

An oft-repeated caution given in the doctor’s office to patients goes something like this: "Put nothing smaller than your elbow in your ears."

Predictably, the refrain from the patient ensues "But, doctor, how do I keep my ears clean?"

The answer to that simple query is, of course, "You don’t--- the ears are self-cleaning if you allow natural processes to do their work."

Our purpose here is to explain the process of epithelial migration and desquamation of tissue, which is unique to the external ear canal and the resulting self-cleaning and protective properties of the normal, healthy ear. Furthermore, we’ll discuss what happens when one takes matters into their own hands and tries to foil Mother Nature!

Conveyor belt-like action:

To illustrate the natural movement of debris and foreign objects from the ear canal, imagine if we placed a piece of sand at the umbo (center) of the eardrum and watched it travel at the rate of just under 1mm per day. After about 3 months, one could reach up with fingertip at the opening of the ear canal and remove that same piece of sand. It makes no difference whether the object is earwax, discarded hair, household dust, insect dander, dried mold spores or fungi, dead bacteria or pseudomonae, dead skin cells or soap residue. In a healthy ear, migration away from the eardrum occurs along the stratum corneum or the keratin layer of the ear canal. These items (i.e., foreign objects) move as if they were on a conveyor belt, being transported outward.

If this were not so, for most of mankind’s history we would have had a relatively deaf (and unsurvivable) human species long before the invention of modern otoscopy (ear microscopes) and mechanisms for clinical removal of impacted earwax. In fact, historically, impacted earwax appears to be a uniquely modern phenomenon, coinciding with the invention of another modern invention, the common cotton swab!

Cerumen and sebaceous secretions combine to make "earwax." However, earwax is only produced in the outer 1/3 of the ear canal. Yet, in years of practice with thousands of patients, this author notes a relatively high incidence of impacted earwax in the inner 2/3 of the ear canal! Of course, it’s no mystery how it got there.

"But," goes the protest, "Isn’t it healthy to keep my ears clean?" The answer comes with the resounding refrain, "Not really. An overly clean ear can be an unhealthy ear."

Self Removal of Impacted Wax

Let’s talk about the potential dangers of attempts at self-removal of earwax in terms of impacting the wax deeper into the ear canal, sometimes occluding the ear for months or years at a time before anything is done about it. In doing so, we will recite below some of the consequences, from trivial and aggravating to the most serious (and potentially fatal) possibilities, as well:

Impacted earwax more often than not is caused by one attempting to remove wax mechanically with a cotton swab, matchstick, hairpin, or any variety of other blunt objects. Deeper and deeper into the canal goes the wax intended for removal, scraping of the stratum corneum (or keratin) along the way, so that the wax couldn’t come out on its own if wanted to!

Over time, earwax dries out; debris and dead skin tissue collect into a hard mass that would almost require a chisel to break it up! As debris continues to gather and impact over time, one may develop a hacking cough, because of pressure on the vagus nerve (Arnold’s Reflex). In some cases, this can be quite serious, and secondarily cause upper respiratory problems, as well.

A conductive hearing loss of about 30-40 decibels or more can develop. In essence, an isolating sound barrier (earwax) can be created between the sufferer and the sounds of life around them. Many patients describe this sensation as "being deaf." Although, if their hearing is otherwise normal, the condition is a far cry from truly debilitating deafness. On the other hand, if they also suffer from a sensorineural (nerve) loss, this additional sound barrier, due to wax impaction, could cause them to indeed experience "deafness".

The sufferer will generally speak so softly that others must strain to hear them. This is because of the occlusion effect, increasing their own voice internally about 15-20 decibels. Children who talk softly should always be suspected of middle ear infection, wax impaction, or undiscovered hearing loss!

In some cases, long-standing and untreated earwax impaction can actually turn septic, and cause serious health consequences. Over many years of practice, the author has seen at least a half dozen patients who were hospitalized for this very reason, and in most cases the cause of the problem not discovered until weeks or months following vigorous medical treatment. In other words, untreated impaction can be potentially life threatening!

Even a small piece of wax pushed up onto the eardrum can cause an interaural attenuation (reduction of hearing sensitivity on the opposing ear) of as much as 20 decibels!

That same tiny piece of wax on the eardrum can also cause the tensor tympani muscle to go into spasm, causing a "roaring" or "buzzing" tinnitus.

Successful Self-Cleaning?

Let’s say one was actually successful in mechanically cleaning their ears on a frequent or daily basis, without impacting their ears. What are the consequences?

For one thing, there will be little or no protective keratin layer on the ear canal, leaving the ear open for trauma and infection.

Without keratin the ear cannot maintain surface pH and fungus, yeast, bacteria and pseudomonas begin to grow, causing chronic itching in most cases, and almost incurable chronic external otitis in some cases.

The simple act of making an ear impression on such an ear can be an excruciating and uncomfortable experience.

The outer ear can bleed easily with the lightest touch as millions of tiny, thin-walled capillaries are exposed to the surface of the epithelium. This is especially true in cases of certain medications (cumadin, aspirin, high doses of Vitamin E or anticoagulants), or if the patient has varicose veins, vascular disease, or diabetes mellitus II. Ears cleaned at the medical clinic sometimes come out bleeding and in serious need of epithelial repair!

Another phenomenon is increased sensitivity of the neuroreflexes of the external ear canal. These reflexes fall into two basic categories 1) biological monitoring of one’s own voice, and 2) to cause physical changes for protecting the eardrum from mechanical or vibratory invasion. This problem has been discussed at length in other forums, but is important to mention here, because this little known problem is the root cause of many unnecessary remakes, credit returns, and trial failures in hearing aid. Hence, without a thick layer of keratin and the natural insulation it provides, these neurological trip switches are set off as sure as the most sophisticated security system today!

In fact, the above phenomena are the root cause of more than a few failed hearing aid trials, self-inflicted external otitis (outer ear infection), and ongoing - yet resolvable - speech defects.

Answers?

The following represents simple rules for external ear care that are good for everyone:

Never use boric acid, hydrogen peroxide or other harsh solutions in the ear. Mineral oil based solutions can cause dermatitis and make the ear otherwise unhealthy. A gentle botanical solution that has been proven safe for use in the ear canals may be a better choice.

Avoid using mechanical items (i.e., cotton swabs, keys, paper clips etc) to clean your ears.

Have your ears examined by a qualified ear professional and follow their specific instructions regarding your personal cerumen management!

And, oh yes, nothing smaller than your elbow goes into your ears, right?

[camerata]

I've been cleaning my ears for years with cotton buds and no ill effects. You don't ram the bud in like you're loading a cannon - just a quick swizzle and out again. I think I used to get sterile buds from somewhere. However, checking my Boots Cotton Buds a moment ago, there's a clear message on the side warning not to insert them into the ear canal.

I guess I'll just have to take Pandit's advice and get my ears sucked by some cute young thing at the local hospital...

[The Gentleman Scamp]

" Cloudy with showers "  Is that you or Dodgerland Scampy ? 

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Very good sir.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Always willing to change with the times I see Scamp

[TizMe]

And, oh yes, nothing smaller than your elbow goes into your ears, right?

I guess I'll just have to take Pandit's advice and get my ears sucked by some cute young thing at the local hospital...

Just make sure that her tongue is larger than your elbow!

[CarlBkk]

I'm sure the risks are there, but I've been cleaning my ears with a cotton bud dipped in Ear-Ex solution (available in any chemist) for years. It's a very pleasurable experience and one that I repeat on a weekly basis! The build-up of wax and dirt, especially here in Bangkok, causes itching so I find it's definitely preferable to clean them without hitting the drum. A doctor friend said the major cause of tinitus was the drum being pushed back each time by the bud....so due to cleaning them too deep/too roughly.

I have just seen a spa treatment on TV for ear cleaning - a small burning candle is placed gently just inside the ear. This somehow causes a vacuum effect and a serious amount of wax slowly oozes out! Anyone know where you can get this done (I missed the particular spa) and how this actually happens?

[chao choo]

Long time ago my doctor told me that I had a small hole in eardrum. Since then I am experiencing that my right ear is having some problems in hearing. Usually the ruptured eardrum heals by itself in few weeks time, but as in my case it stands still and didn't heal. While in bangkok I am feeling some problem because weather is a bit humid here (specially in this season) so I have bought the cotton that I use to block my ear while taking shower. If anyone of you have the same problem, take my advice and avoid water from your ear.

[Abandon]

I had a perforated ear drum for 20 years. Big hole. Only advice is don't put anything in your ear if you can avoid it, and if you can't make sure it is darn clean as infections spread right in and make life he11 for quite a time. And do not let any water get into the ear at all - no swimming, and take care showering. I had mine operated on which went painlessly and well. I still am at only 50% hearing in the ear, but an end to the chains of infections, and no water problem. That ear does make fluid wax though that smells pretty bad - these days I put a dab of Caneston into it each day and it seems good. Any advice on that MP5 ?

[MP5]

I had a perforated ear drum for 20 years. Big hole. Only advice is don't put anything in your ear if you can avoid it, and if you can't make sure it is darn clean as infections spread right in and make life he11 for quite a time. And do not let any water get into the ear at all - no swimming, and take care showering. I had mine operated on which went painlessly and well. I still am at only 50% hearing in the ear, but an end to the chains of infections, and no water problem. That ear does make fluid wax though that smells pretty bad - these days I put a dab of Caneston into it each day and it seems good. Any advice on that MP5 ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Some chronic ear infections can be exceptionally serious, essentially "ticking time bombs" that if allowed to fester for very long can lead to permanent hearing loss, damage to the balance system, damage to the nerve that controls the muscles of facial expression and even spread of infection to the brain. Consequently, a chronically smelly ear is a potentially serious condition that must be evaluated by an ear, nose and throat surgeon. Unfortunately, a few primary care physicians will treat such infections with ear drops and antibiotics, not realizing the risk inherent to the situation.

The space behind the eardrum is air-filled. Air gets into this space via the eustachian tube, which is a tube of muscle and cartilage extending from the middle ear space to the throat. These tubes open periodically, allowing air to reach the middle ear space. Many children and adults suffer from eustachian tube dysfunction, which can lead to infection of the middle ear.

There are two main types of ear infection: otitis media (infection of the middle ear) and otitis externa (infection of the outer ear). Most parents are quite familiar with middle ear infections, which occur behind the eardrum. The patient, usually a young child, is feverish, irritable and has ear pain. Children too young to speak often simply tug at their ears to indicate their discomfort. Diagnosis, which involves viewing the ear canal and eardrum with an instrument called an otoscope, is quite simple. Treatment frequently involves a course of oral antibiotics.

Outer ear infections, which involve the ear canal and the external ear (the outer visible part of the ear), are less familiar to most people. The patient typically complains of pain and itching, and both the external ear and the ear canal may be red and swollen. In severe cases, swelling can obstruct the entire ear canal, and the person may have a fever. External otitis is typically caused by bacteria, including varieties that are normally found on the skin and or in water. Swimming, moisture in the ears due to humidity, and excessive cleaning of the ear canal can all predispose a person to bacterial infection. In fact, these infections are commonly known as swimmer's ear, particularly when a particular species of bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is responsible. Doctors usually prescribe topical anti-inflammatory medications (to reduce inflammation) and antibiotics.

Infection of the ear canal by fungi, such as molds and yeasts, is called otomycosis. Although fungi are different from bacteria, factors that predispose a person to bacterial ear infections, such as excessive moisture in and cleaning of the ear canal, also can place a person at risk for otomycosis. The fungus Candida albicans, which is responsible for vaginal and oral yeast infections, is a relatively common cause of otomycosis. Otomycosis only involves the ear canal, so the external ear appears normal. Patients complain mostly of itching, though the infection sometimes causes discomfort and even pain. An examination of the ear canal typically reveals fungi (usually white and fluffy, resembling bread mold) and little inflammation.

Cleaning the ear canal is the most important aspect of treatment. The procedure, which involves viewing the area through an otoscope and cleaning it out with irrigation and suction No irrigation depending on injury and has to be done in the surgery. A number of topical agents are available for treating otomycosis. Most physicians prescribe antifungal drops or creams, though simple drying agents and antiseptics are also effective. Fungal ear infections are rarely serious. Keeping the ear canals dry and avoiding excessive ear cleaning can prevent repeated episodes

I am concerned that you mention the wax is smelly this would indicate infection is present. I would still recommend St. Louis Hospital. Excellant ENT technicians

Canesten® is the market leader for treatment of dermatological and gynaecological fungal infections.

Canesten® contains the original active ingredient clotrimazol developed by Bayer. Clotrimazol was introduced into the market in 1973 world-wide and its effectiveness could not be reached by any other active ingredient yet. Today, clotrimazol is the best known active ingredient in topical antifungal therapy.

I would like you to confirm you have a fungal infection and re-evaluate your hearing properly.

I dunno mate 50% after the op and having to treat regularly.

I want the patient 100% fit. Hearing inclusive and not having to maitain a Rx program Rx = Treatment.

[Abandon]

Wow - thanks for the advice - nice to have experts of all kinds on TV. I did have a lot of itching in both ears, but went to the ent (and eye) hospital called Piya Thai on Petch Kasem road about 2 1/2 years ago for suction on the good ear. The doctor was pretty blase and spent very little time with me as the surgery had closed, but kindly did use the suction. He said I had fungi infection, and that's when I got the Canesten. It worked to stop the itching and the severly bad smelling wax (which only occurred in the previously perforated ear), but the smell returns if I stop using it. Since the OP I have always had fluid wax, nearly 10 years now, but not always the associated smell. I will make a dedicated application of Canesten for 7 days in both ears, and then leave them completely alone and see. If there's any return of the itching or smell I will get myself down to the ent you recommended.

You have been a real help here cheers.

Pandit

Edited May 31, 2005 by Pandit

[camerata]

MP5, since you know this stuff, let me ask you about tinnitus. In 1977, after going to see a movie in a Thai cinema with the sound turned up to a zillion decibels my right ear (coincidentally the same ear I'd had a painful infection in while traveling in India) started crackling and distorting whenever I heard loud sounds or sounds of a certain frequency. But it was normal at other times. A doctor diagnosed this as "Meniere's Syndrome."

The condition seemed to improve over the years and wasn't a big problem. Then last year I caught a cold which give me an intermittent buzzing in the ear and occasional ringing. My GF also got the cold and some ringing in the ears. After I was over the cold, I still had the very irritating buzzing for a couple of months and finally a constant high-pitched whining, which has never gone away.

I had my ears checked at Bumrungrad and was told it was tinnitus and I had lost some hearing in the typical upper frequency range. Since the whining is constant, and not that loud, it isn't that irritating unless I'm in a totally silent room. However, I recently found that the sound became significantly louder when I was under stress at work. From what I've read, this sounds typical of tinnitus, but is there anything I can do about it?

[MP5]

MP5, since you know this stuff, let me ask you about tinnitus. In 1977, after going to see a movie in a Thai cinema with the sound turned up to a zillion decibels my right ear (coincidentally the same ear I'd had a painful infection in while traveling in India) started crackling and distorting whenever I heard loud sounds or sounds of a certain frequency. But it was normal at other times. A doctor diagnosed this as "Meniere's Syndrome."

The condition seemed to improve over the years and wasn't a big problem. Then last year I caught a cold which give me an intermittent buzzing in the ear and occasional ringing. My GF also got the cold and some ringing in the ears. After I was over the cold, I still had the very irritating buzzing for a couple of months and finally a constant high-pitched whining, which has never gone away.

I had my ears checked at Bumrungrad and was told it was tinnitus and I had lost some hearing in the typical upper frequency range. Since the whining is constant, and not that loud, it isn't that irritating unless I'm in a totally silent room. However, I recently found that the sound became significantly louder when I was under stress at work. From what I've read, this sounds typical of tinnitus, but is there anything I can do about it?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Common Sense Remedies Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine; they can make tinnitus worse.

Cut down on salt in your diet. Salt can cause fluid to build up in your ears, worsening tinnitus.

Tone down sound around you. Avoid loud noises, which can aggravate a case of tinnitus you already have. Wear earplugs whenever noise abounds. You can use foam, rubber or moldable wax plugs. You can also use headphones you wear like earmuffs.

Some people don't notice their tinnitus in the daytime, but as soon as the lights go out, they're up to their inner ears in bells and buzzers. In this case turn on an FM radio; tune it so that it will point to the static between stations. If you keep the radio near the bed just loud enough to be audible, the static near your head will mask the sounds in your head and let you fall asleep. You can also use music to soothe you to sleep. Or record a 'white noise' tape, such as of running water, and play it whenever you need relief.

Some people can't hear their tinnitus when they take showers. You can carry shower sounds around with you. How? Make a long-playing tape of a running shower. When the tinnitus gets bad, listen to the tape through headphones.

Stress was found to make tinnitus worse. So, relaxation and stress management techniques also are useful. Deep, slow breathing is one safe way to ease tension. However, this may not be enough. See a counselor if you're having difficulty dealing with stress in your life and your tinnitus is becoming worse because of it.

Avoid too much aspirin. If you take aspirin daily (for arthritis, for example), try a different anti-inflammatory drug if you are suffering from tinnitus. Aspirin can cause or worsen tinnitus. Some of the other anti-inflammatory drugs can also cause or worsen tinnitus, but not in everyone.

Distraction is an effective technique to combat tinnitus. Focus on some outside activities: Help other people. Join some volunteer groups. Enrich rather than restrict your life.

Increase circulation to the ear area by massaging or applying a hot compress on the neck before going to bed. Dip a small towel into hot water, wring out, place on neck and place a dry towel over it.

Stimulate overall circulation with alternating hot and cold foot baths every evening.

Place a small cotton pouch filled with 3 tbsp. each of hot roasted millet seeds and salt on one ear. Leave on for ten minutes.

Regularly chew dried fruit. It increases circulation to the ear area.

An occlusal splint can help stop teeth grinding, which is known to cause tinnitus.

Experience from treating military.

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