[christianmc]

I filled a squeezy 10ml E-liquid bottle. Placed it with it's cap on in hot water, tilted my head and poured it straight into the drum. I left it for a couple of minutes and then wiped away the excess oil. After 2-3 weeks my hearing was back, I was 100% deaf before, due to infection.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/earwax-build-up/

"Earwax usually falls out on its own. If it does not and blocks your ear, put 2 to 3 drops of olive or almond oil in your ear twice a day for a few days.

Over 2 weeks lumps of earwax should fall out of your ear, especially at night when you're lying down."



This site claims it can actually cause more build up of wax, all I can say is it worked for me

healthline.com/health/olive-oil-in-ear#methods

This seems to be good and safe advice. I use mineral oil only, maybe once or twice a month. It's subtle but helps keep things moving.

 

[bigshot]

An electric drill, but you have to remember to push the trigger real softly.

 

[qboogie]

You're describing precisely what has become a bit of a nuisance to me and why I'm interested in trying oil: the need to blow through nose a couple of times a day so I'm tuned-in again so to speak. Rebalancing is never a problem and left always 'deflates' before the right ear. Lasts roughly 4-6 hours before I feel the need again. Because my hearing ability isn't affected I haven't made work of consulting a doctor but now we're on the subject would you say this is concerning?

If a simple maneuver like the pinch/blow (pinched valsalva maneuver) effectively manages your condition for that long, without the need for medications or other interventions, then I would say it is not concerning.

There is another technique called toynbee maneuver which involves pinching your nose, and swallowing a mouthful of air. Does the same thing, but since it doesn't rely as much pressure it may not overcome the external pressure from the maxillary sinus sitting directly anterior to the eustachian tube
However it's better for children so they don't pass out or rupture the eardrum.

This trick is a little more advanced. If you know you have fluid in your middle ear, behind your TM (called an ear effusion), it is sometimes possible to drain it through the eustachian tube. Let's say this is happening to your right ear. You can tilt your head to the left, and using the valsalva, very gradually increase the pressure in the tube and middle ear and when you hear that characteristic pop/puff, maintain the same pressure to keep the eustachian tube patent and bob your head to allow the fluid to drain out. This only works for serous (watery) effusions and not for thicker material like pus or malignant effusions. Takes some patience though.

Glad to be of help

 

[castleofargh]

If you have any abnormal behavior or discomfort with your ears, go see a professional!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[bigshot]

He's right! If your ears hurt, see your proctologist right away!

 

[moriez]

If a simple maneuver like the pinch/blow (pinched valsalva maneuver) effectively manages your condition for that long, without the need for medications or other interventions, then I would say it is not concerning

I don't understand what you mean by that. How does a person know if there's a need for medications or other interventions if pinching works?

He's right! If your ears hurt, see your proctologist right away!

Hi, from this side of the universe :]

 

[qboogie]

I don't understand what you mean by that. How does a person know if there's a need for medications or other interventions if pinching works?

You asked if I thought your condition sounded concerning. From what you described, I don't think it is concerning. The reason is that taking 2 seconds to do the valsalva is able to alleviate your symptoms for up to 4-6 hours each time. Minimal effort provides adequate (albeit temporary) relief. I'd say that is a win.

In a previous post, I suggested flonase 1 spray per side once daily. It's a low risk solution which might provide even longer lasting relief. You could add a non-sedating antihistamine like loratadine or fexofenadin (allegra) which can reduce mucus production and tissue swelling in the nasal system. In head to head studies, flonase alone is superior to oral antihistamines for treatment of rhinitis.

Other "interventions" would be a decongestant, which I generally don't recommend since they are stimulants, or seeing your primary care doctor or ENT specialist to look for polyps or other anatomical problems. Use your phone to take a picture of your nostrils -- see if you have septal deviation which might explain why one side occurs more than the other. That is pretty easy to do.

 

[qboogie]

Sorry didn't mean for this to turn into a medical consultation!

 

[moriez]

It's just conversation and nothing to apologize for. Appreciate it.

 

[taffy2207]

It's just conversation and nothing to apologize for. Appreciate it.

You haven't received his bill yet