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Suggest Treatment For Blocked Left Ear
Question: I am 65 years old and my left ear has been feeling blocked, like it's got water in it. It's been this way almost a week. Anything I can do at home, or do I need to see a ENT.
Brief Answer:
can try olive oil but can sometimes take up to 2 weeks
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
As you correctly thought, impacted wax is the most common reason for a feeling of a blocked ear.
If you have a history of ear infections, history of perforated ear drum or problems with the bones around the ear (mastoid bones), then it would be best to see your doctor before initiating any further treatment.
If none of these is an issue then you may want to try warm olive oil drops, this works well for wax removal.
It should be warmed to room temp, no hotter than this and placed in the ear using a dropper (would be easier).
No cotton wool because this would absorb the oil.
Apply to the ear and lay on one side for 5 to 10 minutes then sit up. This can be done daily.
Unfortunately, thought this would soften the wax and eventually cause it to come to the outer ear so it can be cleaned out, this can take up to 2 weeks in some persons to occur.
If this is too long for you , it would be best to see your doctor who can syringe it for you.
Syringing can be done by a family physician, I do it all the time.
You do not necessarily have to see an ENT specialist unless you want to.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
can try olive oil but can sometimes take up to 2 weeks
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
As you correctly thought, impacted wax is the most common reason for a feeling of a blocked ear.
If you have a history of ear infections, history of perforated ear drum or problems with the bones around the ear (mastoid bones), then it would be best to see your doctor before initiating any further treatment.
If none of these is an issue then you may want to try warm olive oil drops, this works well for wax removal.
It should be warmed to room temp, no hotter than this and placed in the ear using a dropper (would be easier).
No cotton wool because this would absorb the oil.
Apply to the ear and lay on one side for 5 to 10 minutes then sit up. This can be done daily.
Unfortunately, thought this would soften the wax and eventually cause it to come to the outer ear so it can be cleaned out, this can take up to 2 weeks in some persons to occur.
If this is too long for you , it would be best to see your doctor who can syringe it for you.
Syringing can be done by a family physician, I do it all the time.
You do not necessarily have to see an ENT specialist unless you want to.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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