Struggling with Impacted Earwax, Tinnitus, and Hyperacusis: Seeking a Safe Removal Option

Jon R.

Member
Author
Feb 6, 2015
108
Tinnitus Since
2001 & then again in 2021
Cause of Tinnitus
1st tone 2001 ear plugs, 3 other tones 2021 Pfizer vaccine
I have a completely blocked right ear. I can hear my jaw movements and my tinnitus very clearly, and I also suffer from hyperacusis. The audiologist today said there was no gap wide enough for him to insert the curette. I felt some pain as he tried his best, and it terrified me. It felt like I was being jabbed sharply. Unfortunately, I think he may have pushed the blockage closer to my eardrum, as I now hear every jaw movement, which I did not notice before.

I had to sign a waiver because he explained that the manual method carries risks, especially if the blockage is not just a few specks near the entrance.

Now I feel stuck. If the manual method has failed, what is the next safe option? He said he would never perform micro-suction on my ears because of my tinnitus and hyperacusis, but he mentioned that he could try irrigation. I said I was hesitant about that as well, since it also carries risks.

So now I am confused. How should I proceed? If the manual approach fails, is irrigation with that pulsing machine my only remaining option? Do I just have to accept the risk?
 
Thanks. This is the problem: irrigation might make things worse, but if manual removal fails a second time, I am not sure what to do. I am going to use olive oil drops, but they can sometimes expand the wax, making it even more uncomfortable. I am assuming the wax is pressed up against my eardrum, based on the soreness, pressure, and complete lack of hearing. My tinnitus is just screaming at me.

I am so frustrated that the audiologist made it worse and more impacted. I actually felt better before I went there, and I paid £70 just to have things made worse.

I read your threads. Do you think manual wax removal can still work, even if it failed once? I am going to try a different audiologist for the upcoming second attempt. What happens if they cannot get close enough to the eardrum to remove any wax lodged there? Is there still a safe way to remove it?
 

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