View Full Version : Oh Oh My Ears Are Alight
(say it quickly)
I was getting really bugged by the balance on my hi-fi. The left channel seemed to be fading whatever the source (TT, CD, Tuner, wmas on USB). I swapped speakers round, tried headphones, all to no avail. Then I realised it was my left ear. Since my GP surgery won't do it any more, I carefully syringed my own ears. Result? Instant return of proper channel balance! Not saying that this is a first resort for channel imbalance - but when all else fails . . .
(I was told how to do this by a Nurse when I complained that the surgery wouldn't do it - I don't recommend anyone to try it without proper advice).
mr sneff
02-09-2014, 08:10
Something in the "don't try this at home" category. A GP friend once advised, "never put anything small than your elbow in your ear".
Agreed - but remember before WW1 people routinely cleaned their ears with little silver spoons! If your "channel imbalance" is caused by temporary deafness it's worth seeing if your surgery will help.
awkwardbydesign
02-09-2014, 12:04
After I have swapped channels in the stereo, and found no answer, I swap my own channels; I turn round and face the back wall. If it stays in the same ear, it's my ears.
But not if I'm wearing headphones :doh:
Something in the "don't try this at home" category. A GP friend once advised, "never put anything small than your elbow in your ear".
They must get that line at med school...my doc has said the line too....:lol:
I've read that once you have had your ears syringed once they clog up again so you have to keep repeating the procedure for the rest of your life. Also that it can make your ears more prone to infection - and ear infections are the devil's own work in terms of pain. Don't know how true any of that is but it has always put me of the idea of getting a 'free upgrade' as people sometimes call it.
The best fiver I ever spent on my HiFi
http://m.boots.com/mt/www.boots.com/en/Otex-Express-Ear-Drops-10ml_641573/
The Barbarian
02-09-2014, 12:37
Ear cleaner is only part of yor lots problem
:eyebrows:
Ear cleaner is only part of yor lots problem
:eyebrows:
Lol.
I did occur to me we're all fighting a losing battle here... Nobody's hearing gets better over time, so are we focusing on the systems to compensate?
Ear cleaner is only part of yor lots problem
:eyebrows:
Yeah but we're trying to concentrate on the problems we can do something about. Poor tase in music is really a chronic issue ;)
mr sneff
02-09-2014, 13:27
I've read that once you have had your ears syringed once they clog up again so you have to keep repeating the procedure for the rest of your life. Also that it can make your ears more prone to infection - and ear infections are the devil's own work in terms of pain. Don't know how true any of that is but it has always put me of the idea of getting a 'free upgrade' as people sometimes call it.
I think that's true, the wax is there for a reason, although it is possible to get an excessive build up. I've only had my ears syringed once and was amazed how much wax came out. The chemist I went to used to charge £1 per ear, any more than 2 and he'd syringe them for free :lol:
walpurgis
02-09-2014, 14:48
(say it quickly)
I was getting really bugged by the balance on my hi-fi. The left channel seemed to be fading whatever the source (TT, CD, Tuner, wmas on USB). I swapped speakers round, tried headphones, all to no avail. Then I realised it was my left ear. Since my GP surgery won't do it any more, I carefully syringed my own ears. Result? Instant return of proper channel balance! Not saying that this is a first resort for channel imbalance - but when all else fails . . .
(I was told how to do this by a Nurse when I complained that the surgery wouldn't do it - I don't recommend anyone to try it without proper advice).
Yes, I've had to do the same on rare occasions. Usually a week or so after recovering from a nasty cold. Did it once last year. And as you suggest, it's something that requires great care.
walpurgis
02-09-2014, 14:52
Yeah but we're trying to concentrate on the problems we can do something about. Poor taste in music is really a chronic issue ;)
Yes, I have to laugh when I see what some people listen to. Nostalgia triumphant over good taste! Still, each to their own. :D
Audio Al's collection must be interesting to look through. I get the impression he will buy anything! :)
I dare say some of my choices would take a slating from some quarters.
Oldpinkman
02-09-2014, 16:51
Something in the "don't try this at home" category. A GP friend once advised, "never put anything small than your elbow in your ear".
+1 - I've had and oft repeated the same advice
Having recently encountered those with hearing problems, I wore ear-protectors for the first time angle-grinding the mower blades sharp. I am fortunate not to work in a noisy environment - I just imperil my ears on a hobby basis, but an airbus engineer I know advocated ear protectors, and I am going to try to be a much more grown-up sensible boy in future. :)
Firebottle
02-09-2014, 17:06
+1 for the ear protectors.
It is surprising what volume of screech or whir comes from some modern power tools. Plus of course using a chain saw or powered stimmer, not to mention the paramotor. Though I have just got a quieter 4 stroke one :)
:cool: Alan
walpurgis
02-09-2014, 17:20
My ears were really ringing after cutting up building blocks with an angle grinder with a steel diamond blade that resonated like mad on a few occasions last month. Couldn't find the ear protectors.
Gordon Steadman
02-09-2014, 17:23
+1 - I've had and oft repeated the same advice
Having recently encountered those with hearing problems, I wore ear-protectors for the first time angle-grinding the mower blades sharp. I am fortunate not to work in a noisy environment - I just imperil my ears on a hobby basis, but an airbus engineer I know advocated ear protectors, and I am going to try to be a much more grown-up sensible boy in future. :)
:sofa:
Rothchild
02-09-2014, 18:31
The best fiver I ever spent on my HiFi
http://m.boots.com/mt/www.boots.com/en/Otex-Express-Ear-Drops-10ml_641573/
Great stuff, a little dose every now and again does wonders and feels a whole lot less threatening than blasting through with a syringe.
julesd68
03-09-2014, 13:04
Ever since I woke up completely deaf in one ear aged 7, I have needed to have my ears cleaned out 1-3 times a year. My problem is that I get a build up of hard 'impacted' wax by the ear drum which affects both my hearing and general well being - it just has to be removed now and again. For many years, that meant syringing which of course nowadays they recommend you avoid as much as possible. I now go to a private clinic in London which offers the latest in 'microsuction'. It's much less intrusive and you also don't need to use oil to soften the wax. Being able to get an appointment the same or next day is also nice. Of course I'd prefer not to pay for this but having had so many years of syringing I want to look after my ears as best I can now ...
Last time I was there I was chatting to the lady doing my ears and she told me that she had removed a small cockroach deep in the ear of her previous patient - yuk!
Thetiminator
07-09-2014, 20:07
But it could go either way.......what if you had your lugs cleaned and found your system too bright?
So now way I'm pulling the spuds outta my ears....not worth the risk ;)
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