Ear Wax Removal

Medical issues, doctors, dentists, opticians and hospitals in Hua Hin and Thailand.
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hhfarang
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Ear Wax Removal

Post by hhfarang »

I sleep with ear plugs (for obvious reasons here) and doing so causes problems with deep impacted ear wax. I've had it removed in Bangkok before and to do it correctly and safely requires some skill and the right equipment to suck it out.

Does anyone know of a doctor or facility in Hua Hin that is properly equipped and knowledgeable to do this (hopefully that want charge an arm and a leg for the service)?

And I read Pete's thread here so before you suggest candling, growing out my finger nails or olive oil, I'm looking for an ear doctor to do it the correct way and safely.

viewtopic.php?f=24&t=6337
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Re: Ear Wax Removal

Post by Nereus »

I used ear plugs at work for years and regularly had that problem. The Doctor I mentioned on the other thread used to advise me to use some stuff called "ear clear" 3 or 4 days BEFORE going to see him to soften it up to help him remove it.

I still have the problem here some times and use "Dewax", which, as far as I can find out, has the same active chemical as the other mentioned. (Docusate Sodium, 5 mg) Just put some drops in and let it soak for as long as you can, then I wick it out with a piece of rolled up tissue paper.

As you probably already know, even Doctors can irreparably damage your eardrum if not done correctly. It makes me shudder when I sometimes see hairdressers probing around in somebodies ear with a piece of what appears to be thin wire! :shock: :cheers:
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Re: Ear Wax Removal

Post by chrisdaejeon »

Had it done recently at Bangkok hospital very professional cost was 800THB
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Re: Ear Wax Removal

Post by Terry »

There is a good ENT Dr in Soi 55/1 - opposite the dentist there.

Cannot remember the name, but you will likely need to go beforehand and make an appointment as he is always busy.

Thai - very experienced and has the ear vacuum cleaner........ 8)

Mrs. T took me there several years ago and have been back several times for a good 'rake-out'

Not expensive and never a problem
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Re: Ear Wax Removal

Post by hhfarang »

I still have the problem here some times and use "Dewax", which, as far as I can find out, has the same active chemical as the other mentioned. (Docusate Sodium, 5 mg) Just put some drops in and let it soak for as long as you can, then I wick it out with a piece of rolled up tissue paper.

As you probably already know, even Doctors can irreparably damage your eardrum if not done correctly.Yes Nereus,
With the luck I've had with many "professionals" here, even in the medical field I am trying to be careful, hence the question to this knowledgeable community. Is that stuff you mentioned available at most pharmacies here?

I also found this thread so may try one of the two ENT clinics recommended on it. Sounds like the lady across from HH Hospital may be what I need but I am deaf at the moment in my left ear and a bit nauseated from the blockage so I'm looking for something more immediate (thread says she's only open in the evenings).

viewtopic.php?f=24&t=14802
Had it done recently at Bangkok hospital very professional cost was 800THB
Thanks Chris. Was that (800b) for one ear or both (it's only a matter of time so I'd like to get them both cleaned)? If both, I'd consider that only an "arm" and might go for it. If for each ear I'd consider that an "arm and a leg" and would probably seek other options. :D
There is a good ENT Dr in Soi 55/1 - opposite the dentist there.

Cannot remember the name, but you will likely need to go beforehand and make an appointmet as he is always busy.

Thai - very experienced and has the ear vacuum cleaner........ 8)
Thanks Terry, I read about that one on the other thread mentioned above. Now that I know he has the vacuum, that may be my first stop.
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Re: Ear Wax Removal

Post by MrPlum »

30 thb bottle of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide from any pharmacy. Steps here... http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Ear-Wax

3% is fine but can make the ear a little itchy afterwards. A drop of coconut oil sorts it quickly. Dilute by 50%, to 1.5%, if you are nervous. Have a glass of water ready to flush it out. When the bubbling stops, the HP has finished. If it doesn't get it all on the first attempt, leave it a day then try again.

Always found it easy.
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Re: Ear Wax Removal

Post by chrisdaejeon »

hhfarang 800 was both ears 500 for doctor and 300 for clean both my ears were blocked.
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Re: Ear Wax Removal

Post by Siani »

The secret is not to allow it to build up in the first place. I do not like to over do the syringe system. I use warm olive oil. I do it about once a month before going to sleep at night.
Olive oil ear drops are commonly advised for this purpose. Warm the drops to room temperature before using them. (Let the bottle stand in the room for about half an hour.) Pour a few drops into the affected ear. Lie with the affected ear uppermost when putting in drops. Stay like this for 2-3 minutes to allow the drops to soak into the earwax. The earwax is softened, and it often breaks up if you put drops in 2-3 times a day for 3-7 days. Flakes or crusts of earwax often fall out bit by bit.

NEVER poke cotton buds etc down the ear :tsk:
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Re: Ear Wax Removal

Post by DSB »

I also had my ears done in the Bangkok hospital, they were not syringed, but a vacuum system was used. Very quick and painless, I walked in and was seen to within an hour by the ENT Doc.
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Re: Ear Wax Removal

Post by hhfarang »

I thought I should report back. Thanks to everyone for the tips and advice. Because of the seriousness of my hearing loss (total in the left ear) I went to the ENT guy who was recommended by Terry (and I think Barry on an earlier thread) on soi 55/1. As predicted his office was crowded with waiting patients and they told me the wait would be at least an hour. I asked if I could make an appointment an hour away and run some errands, then return, instead of waiting and they said that was no problem. Both the receptionist and the doctor spoke excellent English.

I did that and was seen promptly upon my return. I wanted both ears done so he took about a minute or two to clean out my right ear and then it took about 25 minutes to clear my left ear with multiple syringes of fluid to soften followed by multiple rounds of vacuuming. It must have been one of the worst cases he'd ever seen. They had to refill the warm (water or other fluid) twice in a pretty large cup to keep flushing my ear and getting out more wax until they got it all.

In the end it was a success and I can hear perfectly in both ears again (not necessarily a good thing around here :D ) and he charged me 250 baht per ear or 500 total.

He seemed very pleased and proud when I told him he was recommended on this (mainly farang) forum.

Again, thanks to all. I needed help immediately and I put out a call on here and before I could finish showering and get ready to go I had several good answers! Cheers to the forum community. This helpfulness is what I think has always been great about this local forum... :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :cheers:
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Re: Ear Wax Removal

Post by Terry »

Always good to hear of a success :run:
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Re: Ear Wax Removal

Post by Nereus »

If you are using foam type ear plugs I have found that putting some of that "Dewax" I mentioned on the plug both helps place the thing in your ear, and keeps the wax soft allowing it to come out when you remove the plug. And yes, I buy it at Boots Pharmacy. :cheers:
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Re: Ear Wax Removal

Post by dtaai-maai »

Terry wrote:Always good to hear of a success :run:
Sorry, Terry, but that effort seems to have fallen on - oh never mind...

I'm delighted at the, erm, happy ending, HHF, but I have to say I've never seen such enthusiasm over ear wax. :laugh:
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Re: Ear Wax Removal

Post by hhfarang »

Thanks Nereus. Yes, I do use the foam type plugs but I cut them in half because I'm a side sleeper and the part that sticks out is uncomfortable on the pillow side of my head. If only I could find a quiet place to live I wouldn't need them... :D :duck:

DM, maybe you've never woken up totally deaf in one ear and nauseated... that might make you enthusiastic about a quick and inexpensive cure too! :cheers:
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Re: Ear Wax Removal

Post by Nereus »

Well, they shouldn't stick out if you put them in to your ear correctly. :?
They need to be rolled into a tight tapered length, quickly inserted and hold a finger on the end while they expand again.

Are you telling the truth here, HHF. You don`t snore that loudly that you wake yourself up do you? :rasta:
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