h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Most doctors won't syringe ears these days because of the high risk of infection

Well, I have to go with monotonous regularity (about twice a year). Although it's called 'syringing', they don't actually use a syringe; but they definitely use a device to apply warm water to ones ear through a funnel.

Yeah, that's what they did with me about five years ago. It was scary looking at the amount of gunk that comes out!

Are you in the UK? Because there was a news item last year or so that mentioned GPs aren't keen to recommend it any more. Does more bad than good, apparently. Worked for me though!

Yes, I am in the UK. 'Syringing' works for me every time as well. I don't know what the alternative would be. However, it's been said that once you've had your ears syringed the first time, it then needs to be done with monotonous regularity - and that's exactly what I've found. I have themn done about twice per year. But sometimes it's a pretty nurse wh does it

Maybe it just depends on the doctor then?

When I got mine done there was an almighty lump of black and yellow wax that came shooting out. The nurse was amazed I could still hear out of my ear - and it came out my good one!

Yes, the identical thing happened to me - an enormous lump of wax came out of the ear I could hear best out of. (The other ear, in which I was practically deaf, yielded much less). It's really exhilarating when one can hear properly and clearly again.

Sad but satisfying, isn't it?