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00:00:00 – 00:09:25
In this video, Connor from Durham Hearing Specialists handles various ear-related issues faced by patients. Key points include the removal of earbuds and hearing aids lodged in ear canals, often complicated by wax buildup and sensitive ear canal skin. Connor demonstrates the importance of using appropriate tools and techniques, like crocodile forceps and Cawthorn hooks, to gently and safely extract foreign objects and wax without causing discomfort. He emphasizes the difference between traditional crocodile forceps and "snub nose Crocs," noting the latter's increased pain and decreased effectiveness. The video also discusses the advancements in digital hearing aids to mitigate feedback issues that are common with older analog models. Connor advises patients to obtain hearing aids from reputable sources like the NHS. He concludes with reassurance regarding minor ear redness and invites viewer interaction through questions and comments, showing a commitment to educating and engaging with his audience.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, Connor from Durham Hearing Specialists deals with a patient with earbuds lodged in both ears. Initially, he expects a straightforward removal using crocodile forceps, but the situation is more complex. The patient experiences pain, and the earbuds seem adhered to the canal walls, causing soreness. Connor suspects these earbuds are not from typical headphones but from inexpensive hearing amplifiers bought online, which come with thick, rubbery ear tips. Using various tools, he loosens and successfully removes the earbuds, confirming his suspicion based on their appearance.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses removing a significant plug of earwax that has been pushed deep into the ear canal, causing pain and discomfort. They highlight the sensitivity of the inner ear canal’s thin skin on bone, which can easily become irritated or uncomfortable under pressure. As they work, they note the eardrum looks mostly healthy with some redness but no severe issues like active bleeding.
The speaker describes the process of carefully loosening the wax using a tool called a Cawthorn hook. They emphasize the importance of gently detaching the wax from the ear canal before removal to avoid causing pain or injury, a technique learned from dealing with deeply inserted Phonak Lyric Hearing Aids. The method involves a slow and steady approach, skimming around the wax rather than forcibly pulling it out. Additionally, they mention using “snub nose Crocs,” which are less effective and more painful for the patient compared to regular tools. The segment underscores the need for careful handling to ensure the patient’s comfort and avoid complications.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the process of removing a hearing aid that got stuck in a patient’s ear due to wax buildup. Using a core thorn tool, they carefully wiggle and detangle the material while continuously communicating with the patient to ensure comfort. The speaker explains how wax can cause feedback in older, analog hearing aids by bouncing sound back into the microphone, leading to whistling noises. Modern digital hearing aids have advanced processing to prevent such feedback. After removal, the ear canal and eardrum appear unscathed, and the patient feels significantly better. The speaker advises the patient to seek hearing aids from the NHS or a reputable provider.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the speaker notes the presence of minor redness patches but reassures viewers that it’s nothing serious, especially compared to worse cases seen from incorrect methods. The speaker concludes by inviting viewers to ask questions in the comment section and promises to respond, while also expressing hope that the video was interesting and looking forward to the next video.