Ear Wax Removal: Preparing for Your Appointment & Managing Anxiety

Question
Hello Dr. Borucki,

I have an appt. scheduled with a nurse practitioner to have ear wax removed.  I had this done about 10 years ago with an ENT and it was just awful, really hurt. He used a vacuum device and curette.  I couldn't withstand the noise from the vacuum and he had difficulty getting the wax out with a curette.  My ear already hurts, so I am quite nervous about having this done but feel I need some relief from the stuffiness.  I have crunching sounds in my ears which I believe is from the wax.  I tried some Debrox drops, but that clogged my ear.  I didn't use the blue bulb syringe as that has never worked for me.  I guess what I'm asking is, is it safe to have my ears cleaned if they already hurt (not always, just intermittently and if I sleep on them)and what techniques (or instruments) would be best for my situation?  Anything besides the obvious I should tell/ask the nurse before she cleans my ears?  I am 60 yrs old, in relatively good health, but am prone to anxiety.  Thank you for your time and any advice that will help me feel less anxious at the appt.

Answer
it is a little loud but the suction work fairly well, especially if you have gotten some debrox in there but I prefer using a water pik machine..... it is a little loud but it doesn't hurt... may feel funny and works pretty well.... you could try continuing the debrox but....   good luck with it....