Can walk-in clinics work for ear cleaning?

The guy I go to for ENT has a specific machine (I call it the Ear Vacuum, but that’s not what it is really named.)

I imagine that most sidewalk clinics won’t have that particular piece of equipment, while ENT docs will all have them.

I go to a walk-in clinic for ear wax removal.

@elbanditoroso Is that what they are otherwise called “sidewalk”? clinics. “Walk-in” tells me I can just walk-in without an appointment.
So, this is not your regular item that the clinic or one can use the (bulb sirynge)? Anyway you’re not required to do anything with your ear before you go in?

I had to make an appointment 2 weeks away, and began sleeping with mineral oil in my ear

@filmfann So they said to use how much oil every day? And is it for the whole 2 weeks? Also were baby oil, olive oil, or any kind of cooking oil also alternatives or or did they say to just stick to mineral oil? And no removing it after a few minutes?

I get swimmers ear in the summer religiously. Yes they can do it. I went to an Urgent Care walkin clinic during COVID because my ENT was not available for weeks. It however would be a better option to got to an ENT if you can.

@Forever_Free How about the oil thing (see above)

@chefl I tried the OTC things which have never helped me. A good proper ear flush is a wonderful thing once completed. The good thing afterwards is you can have the TV on volume level 2 afterwards and still need to turn the volume down because it is too loud.

You may go to the bottom of the waiting room list, but they will do it.
I recall hearing them draw straws on who was going to “have to” perform the procedure. That was the point when I wanted my ENT.

They usually give people ear wax softener you can get over the counter at any pharmacy. If it isn’t perforated or anything more serious, of course. Then you sit for an hour and they flush it out with saline and send you home.

@Forever_Free
Ok, but the flushing too is a DYI
@KNOWITALL A clinic told a patient to use either baby oil, olive oil, or any kind of cooking oil, for I don’t know how many days, and come back. to prevent perforation.

Why not look it up on a google medical site, like mayoclinic.org? We’re not a medical site.

@Forever_Free Ignore the part about DYI. You continue doing ENT.

@Forever_Free I suggested it after reading the medical sites.
But I just found on Mayo clinic:
”....However, the softening agents may only loosen the outer layer of the wax and cause it to lodge deeper in the ear canal or against the eardrum.”..... So, I wouldn’t do it myself, if I ever need to I’ll go to the clinic.

I would not do that, myself. Go to an ENT.

I just took my daughter to an Urgent Care last week for an earache, which turned out to be ear wax. They used hydrogen peroxide and then drained each ear, and the doctor recommended we pick up something over the counter called Debrox. My daughter felt better after the Urgent Care visit. The cost to us was a copay.

@chefl That is very correct on the OTC methods only able to handle mild blockages.
If you use those weekly say, you minimize the buildup. It is a bit more complicated once it is a full blockage. Everyone’s ear canals and buildup can be different. A blockage usually is not an emergency situation but can turn into pain and infection if not dealt with.
I also suggest the ENT vs Urgent Care facility from a financial aspect. Typically an Urgent Care visit will result in a higher out of pocket financial to you than a scheduled ENT visit.
I will side on expertise as the priority and financial impact secondary but here it is a win/win to me for the ENT.

Thanks.

I guess Mayo Clinic might want to remove the how to do it yourself part if right under it, it’s says:
“However, the softening agents may only loosen the outer layer of the wax and cause it to lodge deeper in the ear canal or against the eardrum.”