Q-tip test

Yesterday, I went to my ENT. While I was there the nurse used a Q-tip to clean my ear. I have been having a great deal of dicharge/wax. I had my usual reaction to a Q-tip in my ear. I coughed because it tickled. I have been this way my entire life. The nurse looked at me and immediately got my doctor. He walked in the room laughing. He has been keeping data on MM for a research project. He has found that 89% of his patients have a tickling sensation when something is placed in the ear. My mother always said that "your just like your daddy; he coughed too when a Q-tip was placed in his ear" And, yes my father had MM. Do any of you have that sensation as well?

 

HI Kay,

My audiologist told me that there is a cough reflex inside the ear and everybody coughs if the right spot is touched with a Q tip. Not limited to Meniere's patients I'm afraid. I had such a problem when the audiologist was trying to do my earmould for my hearing aid!

Liz

 

Let me clarify: My ENT said that the nerve that causes the cough reflex is more sensitive and closer to the opening of the ear canal in MM patients in comparison to people without MM.

 

ME!!

I know that your Eustachian tube connects to your throat. I just figured it was related to that somehow.

I can't stand using a Q-tip in my ears. I absolutely gag.

 

You shouldn't poke your ear with anything smaller than your elbow!! ..so they say....

 

Time for a new doctor me thinks....

 

I had the tickling sensation when I had my ears flushed out at the doctor's, kept making me cough, it even made my eyes water. They said it was very common.

 

I am surprised that the doctor allowed the nurse to do that to you. My doctor is death on Q tips. When he cleans out my ears he used a special instrument that removes all wax and causes no problems.

I would question your ENT about that. If he says there's nothing wrong with doing that I would seek another opinion....

 

The nurse merely put the Q-tip on the outer edge of my ear. She did not enter the ear canal. My ENT does not allow that either. My point was that the minute the Q-tip enters the opening of my ear canal, I cough. And, I was wondering if any of you do the same.

 

Not big on Q-Tips, but I don't recall coughing. Mostly an itch.

 

I've never noticed that and I do use Qtips carefully from time to time. Lisa

 

First I am surprised that the nurse - or the Dr. for that matter - even allows anyone to use a Q-tip for cleaning the ear. That is usually a "no-no".

The Dr. has much better equipment that will just suck it out or equipment to safely remove wax.

Our son used to cough every time I ever tried to clean his ears. I have never had that problem myself and neither has the rest of the family. I used Q-tips only for the outer area of the ear - not to dig around inside the canal.

 

I know I'm not suppose to use a Q-tip but I admit, I do!

I'm not a digger but I do get in there. Every time I do this I start coughing but at the same time...it feels so good, if that makes sense!

 

Q-Tip use: Yes
Coughing or tearing up: No

 

Please take this for your daily smile! No unkindness intended.

Hi! My name is PDA and y ... ye ... yes I admit ... I am a ........ :-[ Q-tip user.
I've tried to quit but I just can't. I've tried the QTP and QTG (Q-tip Patch and gum) but nothing has worked for me. I have IES (Itchy Ear Syndrome - yes this term is made up) which causes incredibly itchy ears. Some time back several of us on this forum admitted that we suffer from "itchy ears" and yes some, carefully and cautiously, use Q-tips. I think for sure that there is a connection between IES and MM! My ENT always comments that I never have wax - and I just smile (on the inside - but I'll never tell!) I feel much better now having confessed and have admitted, again, that I am a Q-tip user - and I will (not) try to stop. Sorry! My best to all of you! PDA

 

i poked a Q tip in my ear and it came out the other side lol

 

Oh you're killing me here! Hilarious. And thanks for clearing up matters Kay. Yes, if I put the Q Tip in my ear I do cough. I've never had it by just putting at the edge. And no--I don't use Q tips inside my ear anymore. I see my ENT way too much to do that. He'll know!!!

LOL

 

Is that why the doctor says "Turn your head and cough?" Always wondered!

 

I am a Qtip user too, have been forever. And after my experience with getting my ears flushed out, holy crap, I figured I wasn't going in nearly as deep as their water jet thing, and the force of the water!! I was surprised it wasn't spraying out the other side!

I know where the limits are.

 

OH STOP!!!! LOL