Blocked ears

My OH has problems with loss of hearing in both his ears.
He has been to the GP who says his ears need shringing.
In the meantime he has to put Olive Oil drops in his ears twice a day for about 2 weeks until his appointment.

My question is, do drops make the hearing loss worse before they are better and, if that is so, how long before he notices any improvement?

He is very concerned as he's back at work on Friday (after a couple of weeks leave) and, as his job involves working with aircraft, it could be dangerous. Also driving would be difficult too.

Re: Blocked ears

[QUOTE]He has been to the GP who says his ears need shringing.[/QUOTE]

I'm assuming you meant your OH's ears need syringing, Joy?

If so, his doctor could have seen hardened wax deep in his ears which needs to be softened before the doctor is able to remove it by syringing. I wouldn't think the oil would make your OH's hearing any worse (my husband has had this procedure a few times) .... it may even improve it as the oil softens the wax. Has he ever had his ears syringed before?

Re: Blocked ears

I agree with Mags.

Drops are advised prior to syringing to soften the wax and make it easier to remove the wax and syringe thoroughly.

Re: Blocked ears

I've had this done many times over the years and yes, the olive oil softens the wax to make the syringing possible and if his ears are blocked already then the oil may improve them slightly over the fortnight as the wax softens.

Re: Blocked ears

Yes, sorry spelling error. I meant syringing.

That's exactly what he's doing. Putting olive oil drops in (a dropper full, as per instructions) to soften the hardened wax.

Instead of any improvement, its been about 5 days now, his hearing is worse.

Re: Blocked ears

It's certainly a joy when they are finally syringed though, instant relief and hearing as good as new, but I hope he enjoys relief from his problem soon.

Re: Blocked ears

It's certainly a joy when they are finally syringed though, instant relief and hearing as good as new, but I hope he enjoys relief from his oiling soon.

Re: Blocked ears

There won't be any improvement until the wax softens and the ears have been syringed CC...the oil is just for softening the wax prior to syringing.

Re: Blocked ears

When I had hard wax in my ears I got some drops from the chemist, they softened the wax and it run out itself, no need for syringing.

Re: Blocked ears

Every few weeks I clean out my ears with tissue paper after I have had a shower. It seems to keep them clean.