Earbud Caution...

[bleujazz3]

Yep, I listen to my iPod with large diaphragm-style earbuds, not the ones that come with the iPod but $8 ones that have rubber covers over the mini-speakers buds.

Well, because I listen so often late at night, earwax impacts inside my ears. Every so often after I shower, I use a Q-Tip for remove the earwax.

Invariably, I push too hard on the Q-Tip and I traumatize the ear canal, which leads to either me catching a cold, or fluid filling up inside the ear canal. This time, I hadn't showered, but used Murine Earwax Removal Drops with the blue squeegee bulb and Q-Tips and currently have some blood plasma and an infection inside the right ear canal. Now I can barely hear out of the right ear.

The APRN I spoke with this afternoon gave me a prescription for an antibiotic and warned me: "DON'T put anything inside your ear. We'll clean out the earwax in about two weeks after the infection has subsided."

Has anything similar to this happened to you? For the life of me, I have tried Murine Earwax Removal Drops in the past with Q-Tips and never had a problem. This time I got an infection. How do you remove earwax buildup safely without using Q-Tips?

[dinocicerelli]

Ahhh comeon!!! Dammitt, Bob, you're freaking me out.

[leroy4403]

Anytime you introduce something into the ear canal, you risk trauma to canal itself or the specialized wax-secreting glands. Just like any abrasion to your skin (or any trauma that breaks integrity of the skin), this makes you more susceptible to infection. Also, Q-tips damage the canal itself lending to the collection of what I jokingly refer to as "ear boogers" (cerumen impaction) because of the rough surface created by the abrading surface of the Q-tips.

Just an infection, thats all.

I do hope the person prescribing anti-biotics did so following an exam and not over the telephone. I'm sure you are pretty careful, though, and wouldn't be the kind to insist on antibiotics by telephone. Worst thing you can do for any problems.

Happy Holidays!

[bleujazz3]

Anytime you introduce something into the ear canal, you risk trauma to canal itself or the specialized wax-secreting glands. Just like any abrasion to your skin (or any trauma that breaks integrity of the skin), this makes you more susceptible to infection. Also, Q-tips damage the canal itself lending to the collection of what I jokingly refer to as "ear boogers" (cerumen impaction) because of the rough surface created by the abrading surface of the Q-tips.

Just an infection, thats all.

I do hope the person prescribing anti-biotics did so following an exam and not over the telephone. I'm sure you are pretty careful, though, and wouldn't be the kind to insist on antibiotics by telephone. Worst thing you can do for any problems.

Happy Holidays!

Thanks. I did see an APRN who looked into the ear while I was at the doctor's office and then said rather sternly, "Don't EVER put anything into the ear!" I was like a little boy saying to his Mom, "I'm sorry...".

The nurse then wrote a prescription for Augmentin (Amoxicillin TR-K) that I hope will knock out the bacteria dwelling inside my ear canal.

FWIW, the nurse was understanding and said she would see if there was something else I could use to remove the earwax other than the Q-Tips.

The ear feels a bit better today (less full) but I will keep taking the antibiotics for the prescribed 10 days as required.

How do you remove earwax safely?

[bleujazz3]

Ahhh comeon!!! Dammitt, Bob, you're freaking me out.

What's freakin' you out, Dino?

Haven't your kids ever gotten ear infections? Well, even us adults get them when we put Q-Tips way into our ears. :)

[Christopher Wade]

I had it 6 months ago. It felt miserable for 10 days as I put softening drops in.

I went in to the office and they irrigated it with a large syringe (no needle), a lot of water pumped in and me holding a tray to catch the water.

Not bad, and the relief was instant.

And you have NO IDEA how much crap is going to come out. It takes a lot of ear wax to get an impaction. It's gross.

[count_chocolat]

My doc always says, don't put anything smaller than you elbow in your ear!!!

I hope you feel better soon.

[majordelt]

I have been putting Q tips in my ear canal all the way to my Ear Drum and gently twisting it around to clean them out for years and years. Never had a problem and the doc says my ears look great every time.
Of course my Ear canals are made of Tritainium and are completely impervious to phaser fire as well.

[leroy4403]

To remove the cerumen from the ears:

Use 50:50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and warm (but not hot) water. Get a 20 cc syringe or bigger and draw it up. While tugging at the ear from the top and towards the back, gently begin flushing the ear. It will fizz, foam and get warm. Repeat until your hearing is restored, or a big booger comes from your ear. Change the way you tug at the ear with repeated flushes. It changes the canal shape. You can flush solid without worrying about your tympanic membrane, just start slowly and work up. Don't be surprised at the size bolder that can come from your ear.

If you do this every 4-6 mos, you won't have any problem. It also would be a good idea to get some Swim-eze drops to apply that would dry up any water left in the canal.

One word of caution....

every so often, a few people have a vasovagal reaction from this that makes you dizzy for a few minutes following an ear flush. This is especially true if you use cold water. Don't be alarmed if it occurs and it will pass quickly when lying supine. Just don't let the dizziness be the thing that puts you supine!!!!

Hears to good ear health!:dude:

[bleujazz3]

To remove the cerumen from the ears:

Use 50:50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and warm (but not hot) water. Get a 20 cc syringe or bigger and draw it up. While tugging at the ear from the top and towards the back, gently begin flushing the ear. It will fizz, foam and get warm. Repeat until your hearing is restored, or a big booger comes from your ear. Change the way you tug at the ear with repeated flushes. It changes the canal shape. You can flush solid without worrying about your tympanic membrane, just start slowly and work up. Don't be surprised at the size bolder that can come from your ear.

If you do this every 4-6 mos, you won't have any problem. It also would be a good idea to get some Swim-eze drops to apply that would dry up any water left in the canal.

One word of caution....

every so often, a few people have a vasovagal reaction from this that makes you dizzy for a few minutes following an ear flush. This is especially true if you use cold water. Don't be alarmed if it occurs and it will pass quickly when lying supine. Just don't let the dizziness be the thing that puts you supine!!!!

Hears to good ear health!:dude:

Thanks dude,

I will check with the doctor if this is what I can do. (The nurse may have similar ideas) The nurse said not to do anything to the ear until the infection is gone, then she said we could work on restoring the hearing.

You would be amazed at how many times we all take for granted our ability to hear people talking, the ability to listen to music, or appreciate the sound of a loved one's voice.

We are most all naturally given this gift, shouldn't we all be thankful for our hearing and our other four senses? (In addition to one more used for intuition)

[leroy4403]

Definately don't do this until the ear heals! :eek:

It would be like having an ice pick stab at you! This is routine maintenance stuff. Like changing strings!:p

[alantig]

Penn Jillette had to have ear surgery that he blamed on years of using Q-Tips. Not a pleasant experience.

Here's the original column about it (on the Wayback Archive - seems to be pulled from the P&T site):

http://web.archive.org/web/20030320041027/http://pennandteller.com/sincity/penn-n-teller/excite/pennsear.html

And here's a video with Penn describing it:

http://crackle.com/c/Penn_Says/Penn_Says_Having_My_Ear_Taped_To_My_Nose/2380807

And no, it didn't stop me from using Q-Tips.

Alan

[bleujazz3]

Definately don't do this until the ear heals! :eek:

It would be like having an ice pick stab at you! This is routine maintenance stuff. Like changing strings!:p

Thanks. I can imagine what Alantig's links will be like without even looking at them. :eek:

Yeah, I'll wait until the infection is gone and then ask the APRN to do the initial cleaning (making a squeaky balloon noise as I speak)

[bleujazz3]

I have been putting Q tips in my ear canal all the way to my Ear Drum and gently twisting it around to clean them out for years and years. Never had a problem and the doc says my ears look great every time.
Of course my Ear canals are made of Tritainium and are completely impervious to phaser fire as well.

And I'd guess your cast-iron stomach is in good shape, too. (Gotcha :D WTH, it was worth a shot...)

FWIW, I took the antibiotics as prescribed, but Friday, the last day of my antibiotic prescription, I actually shared something rather touching with an older woman, and we both cried. Stupid me, because now the ear infection has blossomed into a full sinus infection; I still can hardly hear anything out of my right ear. I don't know if I have a resistant infection or what, it's entirely possible.

I am scheduled to see the doctor tomorrow (Wednesday) morning for a follow-up to the first appointment for the ear infection. I hope the doctor does something about this blocked ear, I have been wandering around in a disoriented state with cold meds for four days now, but nothing more unusual than that for me....:o:)

[Marty Horne]

I go to a Walk In Clinic near me once a year and get my ears flushed out. About 4 weeks ago I pushed a Q-Tip too far and my right ear hurt for 3 weeks and I couldn't hear out of it. I went last week, got my ears cleaned out and thankfully everything seems OK now. I hope you feel better soon.

[Ridgeback]

To remove the cerumen from the ears:

Use 50:50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and warm (but not hot) water. Get a 20 cc syringe or bigger and draw it up. While tugging at the ear from the top and towards the back, gently begin flushing the ear. It will fizz, foam and get warm. Repeat until your hearing is restored, or a big booger comes from your ear. Change the way you tug at the ear with repeated flushes. It changes the canal shape. You can flush solid without worrying about your tympanic membrane, just start slowly and work up. Don't be surprised at the size bolder that can come from your ear.

If you do this every 4-6 mos, you won't have any problem. It also would be a good idea to get some Swim-eze drops to apply that would dry up any water left in the canal.

One word of caution....

every so often, a few people have a vasovagal reaction from this that makes you dizzy for a few minutes following an ear flush. This is especially true if you use cold water. Don't be alarmed if it occurs and it will pass quickly when lying supine. Just don't let the dizziness be the thing that puts you supine!!!!

Hears to good ear health!:dude:

Hey Darren,

You want to spec what volume H2O2 to use? Might just be important.....;)

[bleujazz3]

I go to a Walk In Clinic near me once a year and get my ears flushed out. About 4 weeks ago I pushed a Q-Tip too far and my right ear hurt for 3 weeks and I couldn't hear out of it. I went last week, got my ears cleaned out and thankfully everything seems OK now. I hope you feel better soon.

Yep, exactly what happened with me. The doc still says don't put anything into the ear until she takes a look at it. Playing the waiting game until she rules out it's not just congestion. Cripes, it's been almost 3 weeks since I said I had pushed the Q-Tip in too far, still can hardly hear out of it.

The doc will see me Wednesday morning...

[bleujazz3]

Hey Darren,

You want to spec what volume H2O2 to use? Might just be important.....;)

A loud volume might be necessary....:D

[bleujazz3]

Hey Darren,

You want to spec what volume H2O2 to use? Might just be important.....;)

You might laugh, but my brother once looked forward to the day when we would share hearing aid and pinochle jokes. Might just happen sooner than I thought, at least temporarily. :)

[Ridgeback]

You might laugh, but my brother once looked forward to the day when we would share hearing aid and pinochle jokes. Might just happen sooner than I thought, at least temporarily. :)

You certainly will if you use 100% H2O2.

Darren is better qualified pharmacologically than me so I'd rather he gave the advice......

[Czar Of Zonk]

Ahhh comeon!!! Dammitt, Bob, you're freaking me out.

Yeah, this thread scares the pajamas out of me;

[bleujazz3]

You certainly will if you use 100% H2O2.

Darren is better qualified pharmacologically than me so I'd rather he gave the advice......

Sorry, misunderstood you. Darren originally posted a 50-50 Hydrogen peroxide/water mix earlier in the thread. I'm guessing he meant H2O2 off the shelf from a pharmacy, which is only 3% pure H2O2 anywho.

I was thinking you said volume, not strength. Different measure. Darren may say differently, so yes, I'll wait...

[bleujazz3]

Yeah, this thread scares the pajamas out of me;

People would just need to say, "Here's your hat. What's your hurry?" :D

[george4908]

>>every so often, a few people have a vasovagal reaction

I thought only women could have these.

[bleujazz3]

>>every so often, a few people have a vasovagal reaction

I thought only women could have these.

Passing out from lack of oxygen....that's blondes.

Vasovagal is the stuff you use on your lips............. right? ;)

[skypup]

Anybody see the earwax candle segment on Mythbusters recently? NASTY!
It made my 12 year old son gag and leave the room!

Good luck with your ear issue. That's NOT funny stuff.

[bleujazz3]

Anybody see the earwax candle segment on Mythbusters recently? NASTY!
It made my 12 year old son gag and leave the room!

Nope, can't say that I have. Must have been somewhat disgusting for a 12 year old not to watch.

Did they make candles out of human earwax? That would be ingenious, and yes, still barfable to have to watch.

[bleujazz3]

Anybody see the earwax candle segment on Mythbusters recently? NASTY!
It made my 12 year old son gag and leave the room!

Good luck with your ear issue. That's NOT funny stuff.

That's alright. My brother, when he spoke of telling each other hearing aid and pinochle jokes, I think he meant when we get to be 80 or "up in them years."

Earwax is something the body naturally secretes to protect the inner ear. Too much of it when it accumulates causes loss of hearing. This is what I have, except I pushed some of it in too far, causing a more significant loss more quickly. I just hope the doctor can release and drain the plug.

No worries, although I do think it a bit humorous to be laughing about what could be a future deaf right ear, if it is that at all. I seriously don't think it is, so if I am not worried, why should you? My ear...

[gag halfrunt]

Sorry, misunderstood you. Darren originally posted a 50-50 Hydrogen peroxide/water mix earlier in the thread. I'm guessing he meant H2O2 off the shelf from a pharmacy, which is only 3% pure H2O2 anywho.

I was thinking you said volume, not strength. Different measure. Darren may say differently, so yes, I'll wait...

You're correct - it's the 3.5% pharmaceutical grade you want. The kind available at the drug store or supermarket. It's the lowest strength generally available, and is safe for topical use.

But don't ingest it.

[bleujazz3]

You're correct - it's the 3.5% pharmaceutical grade you want. The kind available at the drug store or supermarket. It's the lowest strength generally available, and is safe for topical use.

But don't ingest it.

Sometimes my family and I use H2O2 mixed with water as a mouthwash. We just swish it around and spit it back out again. Not like wine, which I would drink. (And no, I don't do wine-tasting parties)

Besides, it's 9:30 AM. Who'd be thinking about wine (or anything remotely similar) this early in the morning?

The dentist said that this was safe, as long as we don't ingest it, yes? ;)

[gag halfrunt]

Sometimes my family and I use H2O2 mixed with water as a mouthwash. We just swish it around and spit it back out again. Not like wine, which I would drink. (And no, I don't do wine-tasting parties)

Besides, it's 9:30 AM. Who'd be thinking about wine (or anything remotely similar) this early in the morning?

The dentist said that this was safe, as long as we don't ingest it, yes? ;)

I think that's safe, too. I've heard of it being used as a mouthwash. The trace amounts you might ingest shouldn't be harmful.

It's the stabilizers that are put into the over-the-counter H2O2 that are kind of nasty if taken internally. They are necessary because Hydrogen Peroxide is not, by itself, stable for the long term. When exposed to light and kept at room temperature, and when only in a water solution, the extra oxygen atom is always trying to release, and form the stable H2O molecule, plus the free radical oxygen atom. That's why the food grade H2O2 has to be kept frozen to keep it from breaking down.

[skypup]

That's alright. My brother, when he spoke of telling each other hearing aid and pinochle jokes, I think he meant when we get to be 80 or "up in them years."

No worries, although I do think it a bit humorous to be laughing about what could be a future deaf right ear, if it is that at all. I seriously don't think it is, so if I am not worried, why should you? My ear...

Oh, I'm all for having a sense of humor about stuff; I just didn't want to come off as making light of your situation myself.

re the candle: that's exactly what they did. They had a doctor collect little earboogers from a bunch of people then they molded a wick into it. It didn't burn very long though so we won't be seeing them in Hallmark shops anytime soon ;). It was gross but I was LMAO. I love Mythbusters.

[bleujazz3]

I think that's safe, too. I've heard of it being used as a mouthwash. The trace amounts you might ingest shouldn't be harmful.

It's the stabilizers that are put into the over-the-counter H2O2 that are kind of nasty if taken internally.

Oh, I'm all for having a sense of humor about stuff; I just didn't want to come off as making light of your situation myself.

re the candle: that's exactly what they did. They had a doctor collect little earboogers from a bunch of people then they molded a wick into it. It didn't burn very long though so we won't be seeing them in Hallmark shops anytime soon ;). It was gross but I was LMAO. I love Mythbusters.

Visited the doctor today who confirmed that I had a head cold and an ear blockage. The nurse took a bottle that had a small tube syringe device attached to it and squeezed warm water only, no hydrogen peroxide, into my right ear. After 4 or 5 times of this, a block of dark cerumen fell out into the tray. It was about the size of a large black misshapen Tic-Tac. I said, "Whee, that was fun. Can we do the other side?"

Now I can hear again out both of my ears. The doctor said to stop back in about 3 or 4 months to check on the ears again. The doctor said not to try to clean out the ears myself, otherwise I'll end up with another possible infection. I said, "Alright," regained my sea legs, and wandered out the door. Able to hear again.

[bleujazz3]

Oh, I'm all for having a sense of humor about stuff; I just didn't want to come off as making light of your situation myself.

re the candle: that's exactly what they did. They had a doctor collect little earboogers from a bunch of people then they molded a wick into it. It didn't burn very long though so we won't be seeing them in Hallmark shops anytime soon ;). It was gross but I was LMAO. I love Mythbusters.

P.S. Thanks for not making jokes about something that could have been serious. I appreciate your concern. Seeing me walk out of the examining room was funny enough. They asked me if I wanted to sit in the lobby. I said, "I think I most likely should." After 5 minutes I said I felt fine, they said "OK" and I was able drive away and run some errands safely.

Now I'm stoked. My Blues Deluxe was waiting for me when I arrived home. She's warming up by the fireplace as I speak. Time for a bench test while lunch is getting ready.

[gag halfrunt]

Visited the doctor today who confirmed that I had a head cold and an ear blockage. The nurse took a bottle that had a small tube syringe device attached to it and squeezed warm water only, no hydrogen peroxide, into my right ear. After 4 or 5 times of this, a block of dark cerumen fell out into the tray. It was about the size of a large black misshapen Tic-Tac. I said, "Whee, that was fun. Can we do the other side?"

Now I can hear again out both of my ears. The doctor said to stop back in about 3 or 4 months to check on the ears again. The doctor said not to try to clean out the ears myself, otherwise I'll end up with another possible infection. I said, "Alright," regained my sea legs, and wandered out the door. Able to hear again.

I had it done once, and it was also warm water alone.

[leroy4403]

Sorry I missed those postings.

Yes, pharmaceutical grade peroxide. I've worked in a clinic and used it thousands of times! While the doctor is right about the risk of infection, you have the same risk when they do it. That's why the mild peroxide solution. Unless you really go deep in the ear with the instrument (syringe), you won't cause any problem doing this yourself. Some clinics use a water pic to do it. The peroxide is great if you suffer an abrasion when the ear booger comes out.

A little bit of maintenance goes a long way. It (flushing) is a very simple, easy procedure.

Glad it's on the mend!

Darren.

[Paralax View]

I really haven't a clue as I use dry Q tips daily after each shower. I abhor forgetting, especially at night, just as you drift off, the itch of the water drying wakes you. I have been doing this for at least 40 yrs and have never had wax buildup or any problems.. Just me.

[joeprs]

I've been told to never stick anything smaller than your elbow into your ear.;)

[Dr Git]

I get wax buildup as well...Not a hurray type of sentence, i'll admit. It stinks. I am getting a little better though, with the q-tips. I usually have to visit my Ear eye nose and throat DR every other year to get cleaned out. Usually this means him inserting large hooked instruments in my ear and close to my eardrum. Its scary as hell to me. Then after we are done, he lectures me to not use Q-tips. He also makes me feel like i'm wasting his time, though i'm sure my insurance is paying him like $500 to clean my ears. :eek:

[skypup]

Glad to hear everything came out alright :) ;)

[bleujazz3]

FWIW, I took the antibiotics as prescribed, but Friday, the last day of my antibiotic prescription, I actually shared something rather touching with an older woman, and we both cried. Stupid me, because now the ear infection has blossomed into a full sinus infection; I still can hardly hear anything out of my right ear. I don't know if I have a resistant infection or what, it's entirely possible.

Well, an interesting side effect of having my ears cleaned out with the syringe meant less sinus infection and a place for it to harbor germs. The sinus infection is clearing up quicker than you can imagine...

I really haven't a clue as I use dry Q tips daily after each shower. I abhor forgetting, especially at night, just as you drift off, the itch of the water drying wakes you. I have been doing this for at least 40 yrs and have never had wax buildup or any problems.. Just me.

I usually do the corner of a towel in the ears and don't tip my ears toward the shower head to let water into the ear canal. I might do a bit of soapy water around the outer ear, but that's it from now on.

I get wax buildup as well...Not a hurray type of sentence, i'll admit. It stinks. I am getting a little better though, with the q-tips. I usually have to visit my Ear eye nose and throat DR every other year to get cleaned out. Usually this means him inserting large hooked instruments in my ear and close to my eardrum. Its scary as hell to me. Then after we are done, he lectures me to not use Q-tips. He also makes me feel like i'm wasting his time, though i'm sure my insurance is paying him like $500 to clean my ears. :eek:

Your general practitioner can syringe out the ear canals in less than 5 minutes. What took so long was the usual going over of the weight, heart rate, BP, and vitamin and medication checklist. After that, the nurse was done with my ears 1 minute each side. I had to lay down for 4 or 5 minutes after that to avoid that vasovagal reaction that I think it was Darren said might happen.

Yeah, I had wandered around for 2 weeks in a clouded state of mind before I visited the doctor, it was like having a tequila buzz that wouldn't let up. Even when I showered it was weird, my head was literally swimming as my inner ear was congested.

Man, am I happy to have my sense of balance and sense of reality back. "Of all the things I've ever lost, I missed my mind the most." -- Modern wive's tale.

Glad to hear everything came out alright :) ;)

+1! :dude:

[majordelt]

Well, an interesting side effect of having my ears cleaned out with the syringe meant less sinus infection and a place for it to harbor germs. The sinus infection is clearing up quicker than you can imagine...



I usually do the corner of a towel in the ears and don't tip my ears toward the shower head to let water into the ear canal. I might do a bit of soapy water around the outer ear, but that's it from now on.



Your general practitioner can syringe out the ear canals in less than 5 minutes. What took so long was the usual going over of the weight, heart rate, BP, and vitamin and medication checklist. After that, the nurse was done with my ears 1 minute each side. I had to lay down for 4 or 5 minutes after that to avoid that vasovagal reaction that I think it was Darren said might happen.

Yeah, I had wandered around for 2 weeks in a clouded state of mind before I visited the doctor, it was like having a tequila buzz that wouldn't let up. Even when I showered it was weird, my head was literally swimming as my inner ear was congested.

Man, am I happy to have my sense of balance and sense of reality back. "Of all the things I've ever lost, I missed my mind the most." -- Modern wive's tale.



+1! :dude:

Really glad all is well Bob. Good health to you in the New Year:)

[bleujazz3]

Really glad all is well Bob. Good health to you in the New Year:)

Thanks, Ronnie,

Shortly after I had the ears flushed out, my sinus infection began to disappear. I'm guessing the ear infection played a big part in how my viral infection turned out.

I'm feeling somewhat badly that my friend, Burt Teague, caught my cold two weeks ago and has been struggling with GERD and the virus ever since. Unfortunately, Burt gigs on a regular basis and can't afford to be sick. His doctor gave him a prescription for the GERD and some strong cough medicine so he can get some sleep while the virus works its way out of his system. (That was the main problem, his coughing was keeping Burt awake, thus preventing him from getting needed sleep).

Fortunately, I have someone covering my weekend work shift just in case the virus I have is still communicable. I don't want anybody at work or our jam catching a cold which could endanger our employees who need to be healthy. Our keyboard player last week was holding his fingers up in the sign of a X, telling me to back away slowly; he didn't want to catch my cold either. LOL!

Also, since I have to be awake until 3:30 AM tonight/tomorrow morning, I want to be sure that the cold doesn't rebound on account of lack of sleep tonight. Hence, the reason I am having someone cover my work shift for me this weekend. I, too, need to be healthy for work in the next several days. :)