Pharma-Grade Olive Oil Ear Spray — Is It Safe to Apply?

[ApolloChris]

Hello all,

I'm brand new to this forum but I've been following it on and off for 2 months now (since the dreaded onset of ear fullness and T :/....both ears, Left hand side worse).
As is all too often heard, i obtained my Tinnitus from a night out at a 1.5hr concert which looking back, had all the ingredients for bad news written over it (stressed out beforehand, swam earlier in the day, trying to sell tickets until the last minute, a few beers and a person who usually plugs but didn't this time for whatever reason i don't want to try explore again [we all know it's not good long-term to keep this anger inside]).

Basically, I've noticed some improvements over time I feel, maybe acceptance to some degree, exercise body-based exercise and use of some meds (Ginko EGb 761 240mg per day, Omega 3, multivitamin including B12 etc.). It's been up and down though, good and bad days...nothing knew to you all.

One thing i noticed recently is that i had a lot less ear wax production these days (or noticeable). I figured that this could be because of using ear plugs with noise filters much more often but not in general circumstances (I have a small baby as well so these feel necessary at times). One ear (the worst one), felt clogged and so i decided to look up here and elsewhere for solutions. My ENT has no email address and the secretary was of no help so i settled on olive oil (pharma grade).
I was originally looking for drops where you lay down and apply a few drops but could only find spray (Earol/Vaxol 10ml bottle). I was dead set on avoiding anything ototoxic or stronger.

Anyways, before i write an essay, I will get to the point. The Right hand ear (which is in better condition i think) feels really uncomfortable with the spray, as i feel it basically spraying against the ear drum or inner walls of the canal. The left hand side not so much.
I have a feeling it has caused much more noticeable T in my right ear (originally i thought it was a fault with our office printer). However im not sure if this is more a psychosomatic effect, and anxiety or is it possible for these sprays to cause damage (by the pressure exerted)? There was a shift in T to a more notched tone last night but there could be still oil in there.

Anybody have their own input? I really have found little in the way of information on the internet to say they are unsafe for certain users (bar where a perforation is concerned)?

Note: I have only used it 3x times over 1.5 weeks so far, total of 3x sprays. Will not use for the time-being.

I'm frustrated i didn't just order drops and wait, but i could also be really over-reacting?. Anybody else been in the same boat before / currently.

Regards,
Chris

PS. I really have to thank the founders of this site. I was lost at the time and it (+ notable users) helped to educate me on the matter.
PPS. Oh great, it did turn in to an essay :/....apologies

 

[ApolloChris]

anyone :/?

 

[fhs]

I would say that it's a psychosomatic effect however the temperature of the oil might be cold and cause a little discomfort in the ear which could trigger muscle spasms. Also your ear drum could be perforated with a micro hole that doesn't heal which would let oil inside the ear which isn't good to have. Does the spray create air pressure in the ear or not let air escape while you spray?

 

[ApolloChris]

I would say that it's a psychosomatic effect however the temperature of the oil might be cold and cause a little discomfort in the ear which could trigger muscle spasms. Also your ear drum could be perforated with a micro hole that doesn't heal which would let oil inside the ear which isn't good to have. Does the spray create air pressure in the ear or not let air escape while you spray?

Hi fhs,

Many thanks for your reply.
It's highly possible. It's only 2 months since this journey began. Only earlier in the week had i finally begun to accept, relax somewhat and automatically plug or cover my ears when i feel threatened (almost trying to make it a sub-conscious action), but sadly i hit a snag. Feeling slightly better now but i certainly think you could be right about a micro hole or some other damage. Hearing in a little muffled at low-freq. but that happened last week too and improved (i thought it was the printer in the office that was acting up lol). Can only hope for the same but who knows yet, time will tell :/. Thats the worst part of this for me personally, the uncertainty.
I will refrain from using the spray altogether and just wait for the next ENT appointment. I'd recommend others do that too if they suspect wax buildup but aren't sure.

To answer your question, I think it doesn't create air pressure, only pressure from the liquid but it's possible there was extra pressure due to the oil coming in filling the space up It would be small though. I can't remember but i dont think it was an airtight seal.

Thanks again