1,557 - Cholesteotoma, Auto-Atticotomy, Head & Neck of Malleus Exposed - Patient Saw Sales Assistant

[@kittytomaszewski236]

I can not understand why this is not regulated. The amount of damage that could be done by someone attempting this is insane. Keep talking about this Neil. Until a change is made don't ever stop talking about this. It could honestly save someone's life.

[@khughes1963]

Agree!

[@kellyjoiner4418]

You said exactly what I was going to say, so I won't repeat it. 🌞

[@kittytomaszewski236]

@@kellyjoiner4418 no, we should all repeat it till it's no longer an issue. (Ie when non licensed people stop sticking metal objects in people's ears. Like what in the actual fuck!?!)

[@baninagentry2415]

In the US, you have to face a referral to an ENT to have this done if your PCP doesn't irragate it in the office.

[@robynaitken7207]

Surely you all know that this is a qualified ENT and that surely no one would be stupid enough to do this at home 😂

[@streamofawareness]

Neel, dude, sir, you have every right to be angry and I’m glad you’re calling that out. You care about your patients and that’s so much more than I can say about a lot of other healthcare providers. I’m in the USA, not the UK, but people like you are rare gems. Never stop standing up for your patients, you may be the only one who does.

[@22Purplemist]

You were polite as always but I could sense your justified frustration and anger at this situation. I don't know what the government were thinking when they decided this was the answer to the lack of ENT doctors and *properly qualified* audiologists. If people mention ears I always tell them to see an actual audiologist, not a pharmacist, sales staff at the chemist or opticians. Hopefully, the patient now appreciates the reason why they should go to a professional in that specific field of expertise

[@lisarobb3064]

Oh, Neel! Always the diplomat! The sales assistant nor the pharmacist should be doing anything in anyone’s ear. Yikes! 😱 So glad she came back to you. Such a serious case! Fabulous job, as always. Thanks so much to both of you for sharing.❤️🇨🇦

[@tjo25]

That is wild. What I can't figure out is how the pharmacy wouldn't immediately know there's an infection behind that keratin. Even IF they thought the keratin was wax, it's literally weeping over the top. That's not normal!

[@jamirigsby-jenkins9996]

Your righteous indignation is appropriate, Neel. Thank you for standing up for your patients and your profession.

[@KEM1965]

That patient needs to file a lawsuit! That will help get the point across

[@user-wr3vt8uq4s]

Serious question: can you sue for malpractice in the UK? Or impersonating a medical professional? Any barristers out here who can answer?

[@JordanWilson-h4w]

God bless you for the compassionate, caring manner that you have with your clients! Keep up your campaign! You are doing the right thing for the medical field - keeping those that are unqualified from practicing. Your professionalism and dedication is wonderful. I’m a microbiologist in the United States.

[@rox2346]

What these persons need to learn is: “Do No Harm” Lack of knowledge can be nonfeasance or malfeasance. I don’t blame you for being upset. As a retired Paramedic, I’d compare this to a preschool teacher taking a 2 week course and then being put on an Advanced Life Support ambulance. ❤

[@paulinehawkins2207]

OMG. I can certainly understand your frustration. The ear looks terrible and the poor patient had a horrible and painful experience at the pharmacy. Keep up the campaign work Neel. Much respect. ❤️

[@tangiessubtleluxuries]

Omg! I feel so sorry for this patient having to endure that horrible care. I'm glad so came to one of the best audiologist!❤

[@steviegray4543]

Keep up your campaign. These procedures need regulating. Regards

[@pcarebear1]

I was considering scheduling a ear cleaning from CVS, so I'm really glad I saw this advisory 1st!❤🙉

[@Lady_dromeda]

I had been having some minor hearing loss and went to a pharmacy (in Canada) and was told they weren’t able to look in at my ear or anything other than suggest olive oil spray. At the time I was a bit annoyed that they couldn’t do anything else, but after watching this I’m glad they weren’t.

[@LeeAnnHancockMorales-pe7ck]

You are absolutely right about this. I would quit before I would attempt anything like this. I hope this patient has a good resolution for her ear. Keep fighting. You are the patient’s strongest advocate.

[@atadbitahistory9660]

Thank you for calling this out, it's absolutely insane that it's legal for someone to perform this work without the necessary exoerience, I can't even begin to imagine how badly this could've gone, or how badly it did go for somebody else. I hope you keeo talking about this until a change is made

[@Amyf183]

I don’t know what practicing pharmacy is like in the UK, but in the U.S., there is NO way a pharmacist would have time let alone want to clean out an ear. We don’t have time to eat or take a piss. 🙄

[@TheresaONeill-ze3jb]

On top of it being illegal.. I've also never heard of a prescribing pharmacist. CRAZY

[@Jmck5683]

Prescribing pharmacists are really common in Canada and the UK. They are pharmacists with specialized training and they can prescribe certain medications, order bloodwork and treat certain conditions. In Canada for example, our pharmacists can teat and treat strep throat, eat infections, type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism and several other common conditions.

[@BeepBoop2221]

Hi Neel, this is a pet peeve of some of one of my friends whos a PT and physiotherapist. Hes seen too many people doing rehabilitative"physio" for sports injury that have been on a weeks course. Or worse chiropractors, thats an industry that needs to go forever, its dangerous and ineffective.

[@RaquellePhillips]

Your passion for your work and your patients is so obvious, Neel. I hope that your campaign to stop non-clinitians performing such a difficult task results in a change in legislation ASAP

[@sillyme163]

Wow...I can't believe this is actually allowed! The more you speak of it, the more of us learn to go to professionals only. Thank you.

[@hevchip741]

I agree totally, this should only be done by HIGHLY qualified individuals. The law needs changing to accommodate the seriouseness and highlight to dangers of threat to life. I admit, after watching hundreds of your videos, i looked into the means of getting into this profession and was gob-smacked on how easy it was to do so. 2 days training is a disgrace.

[@ellenmccormick9293]

Unbelievable. I would never let anyone touch my ears except for a properly trained audiologist.

[@meganmckinley5680]

You might get a lot of hate but you're not WRONG, Neel. If they don't have the training and experience, they shouldn't be performing the procedures, point blank. These companies are mad that you're calling them out on dangerous and irresponsible practice that they have no business in.

[@lizanneleonard8191]

This is nothing short of an absolute disgrace!! Thank God this patient was assertive enough to ask questions and above all halt the process. If this pharmacy happens to see these comments, please stop IMMEDIATELY because next time the patient may not be as assertive as this lady was and too uncomfortable to question you or halt the work being done and may just assume that because your a pharmacist from I assume a reputable company that you know what your doing therefore not think to or have the confidence to call into question what your doing. It is, in my opinion, barbaric to knowingly allow this to happen under your watch. I hope she got a refund. That's the least you could do. As Neel has explained, this can be life-threatening. Are you really prepared to have this on your conscience? This lady dodged a bullet with this one. Thank goodness for you, Neel, and bringing this problem out in the open this made me mad because there are posters in my local pharmacy advertising that they do procedures too in regards to ear cleaning and it's frightening I will share this to spread the word, I don't know if it will help but if even one person sees this it's better than nothing. Thank you again, Neel, for bringing this to our attention. If there is anything that we the public can do, please advise us. I'm absolutely raging at this. it's unacceptable because its leading the public into a false sense of security with the potential to cause or miss what could be a life-threatening situation and that, quite frankly, is not on. Not to mention, thank goodness this lady had the funds to see Neel. Imagine she had spent her last on coming to see you only to have no money left to go elsewhere and this serious situation ended up being missed completely or made worse over time spent waiting for enough funds to see someone else.

[@Echo3_]

I feel like people see what you do and think it’s easy, it looks easy because you are well trained and experienced. What you do you do so well because you learned it properly.

[@Trix897]

It’s so important to be activists in this day and age when regulators fail us. Keep fighting the good fight, Mr. Neel!

[@Cerys1102]

Thank you for being an advocate for your patients and within your field

[@teresanitz2429]

You are so right! Why is it okay to do any medical procedure without proper training. That is so scary!

[@camron927]

I couldn’t imagine a sales assistant digging into my ear. That’s insane. Your anger is completely valid.

[@jodynuttall3215]

I live in Canada, but I can truthfully say that, were I to develop a problem that required my ears to be cleared, I would seriously consider traveling to the UK for an appointment with Neel.

[@heathercashero6806]

Holy hell. This is beyond ludicrous that this isn't regulated! Thank God she came to you and is now on a path to being healed! This can be life or death! Shame on those who know they aren't qualified and are doing half ass jobs for a quick buck. Keep fighting, Neel!!❤❤

[@azamyahmad]

As always beautiful upload and share and you are doing such an amazing job ! .. thanks again Neel and have a wonderful blessed weekend ! ..

[@catherineharrison9892]

As a Registered Nurse, if I had attempted to treat this patient, had tried to remove wax without appropriate training, knowledge base and proven competence, then this would amount to gross professional misconduct, and the consequences could include striking off the professional register because of causing harm. I get very angry when I see harm caused to a patient through utter negligence. This poor lady must be beside herself with worry and anger. The UK is so slow and drags its feet when it comes to regulation, which is really quite frightening. There is a simple reason that professionals such as yourself, charge a higher fee, and that’s extensive knowledge and expertise!

[@pbtootall86]

US pharmacist here. You are absolutely justified in your frustration. Doing an ear procedure like this would be the equivalent of me trying to start an IV line when I only know how to give flu shots 😅

[@peggyharris8105]

That pharmacist should not be allowed to perform ear cleaning or the sales person either. This is almost malpractice . Thank goodness for you Neel😮

[@gisele8854]

How is this allowed in the UK? I’m 70 and I’ve never heard of anyone in a pharmacy removing earwax here in the US. They would be sued for malpractice for sure. The British public needs to be discouraged from seeking their services. Good on you for raising awareness of this awful situation. Pharmacists shouldn’t even prescribe anything without a medical license.

[@krspkrmmom]

Hi Neel! As always, awesome job, and excellent commentary. Can you provide an update if/when you get one?

[@sandybeasley2286]

Great video Neel. Thank you for all the work you do to share your videos with us I really appreciate it

[@caroleroseburgh1344]

Good Evening Neel 🙋🏽. Great Job.👋🏽

[@veerlepeeters4559]

Neel this is a terrible situation for people who don’t have the ability to go to a real audiologist, nevertheless it is so dangerous for them ! Please keep talking about it , it is so important and life saving for some of them . I also understand that not everyone can pay for private healthcare , then at least go to the your GP and they will tell you what to do. ( hopefully ! ) Thank you so much for sharing this with us , and cross your fingers that in the future it will change for the best ! I feel so sorry for your patient and wishing her the best , ❤️ See you soon sir , 🇧🇪😘

[@JulieCain-nl4es]

This was so scarry for the patient after horrible experiences at a pharmacy. Heart break. I bet you wouldn’t fill prescriptions either. That made me chuckle when you said you wouldn’t change professions without proper training. Well you better not change because you are to good and passionate about what you do. Wish everyone was like that. Thanks

[@LorraineCollier-z3x]

Neel What a shame that all the businesses that train their staff in 2 days to remove ear wax should be ashamed of themselves and they should stop immediately this is serious and could result in damage to the ear that is so extensive the patient might have to have and operation to fix Thank you for bringing this to everyone's attention Lorraine Love by the bay ❤️

[@kimberlydodd9039]

I always learn something in your videos. I'm glad that ear care in the US isn't like that. Health should always be a major concern in the government.

[@pingutherat]

I mean if they're fine with the procedures they're doing they shouldn't feel called out. If they do feel called out, they should probably look inwards.. thanks for sharing 😊

[@zovjraar]

Whenever Neel talks about equalizing the ear pressure, I swallow. I can't help it!

[@darrelldog5]

Thank you, Neel...😊

[@lalagamma4452]

Sad that this is allowed to happen. So glad you were able to help the patient. Huge HUGS and prayers. Namaste 🐞💙🐞

[@rrp1996]

A sales assistant? Oh my goodness 😮

[@rodfrancis267]

Thanks for fighting a worthy battle.

[@murielsmith3782]

You must been in shock when you saw the state of the patient ear do not blame you for been angry at the same time hope we're able to reassure the patient hope their goes on okay

[@Sstyyxx_]

Your channel is the only one where I learn anything

[@crazylablady]

I'm a pharmacist (out of practice for many years) & we were not educated enough in this stuff! You know so so much more than I ever could. Plus it's gross that I don't want to do myself lol

[@KatherineUribe-1]

There are some things you can skimp on and some you cannot. Buying an off brand toilet paper is ok. The worst that happens is you decide the off brand isn't sufficient for the job and you buy another brand in future. Your ears are something you cannot skimp on. Do not let anyone poke around in your ears unless they've been properly trained. Your ears are not toilet paper: do not go to the off brand. Go to the specialist. Your ears are precious. Treat them accordingly.

[@DMH_701]

Out of curiosity I thought you said in the past that a cholesteatoma has to be accompanied by pain but you said this patient was not presenting with pain or is that keratosis obturans?

[@johnsamuel221]

Sir, that looked horrendous. I struggled to see where the eardrum even was. All those holes to the left, it looked very serious to me as a layman. Did you refer them to ENT specialists ? I hope the patient is ok !

[@resQfurppl]

how frightening & frustrating!! maybe something in parliament can be done?? Audiologists & ENT specialists could raise an issue & testifying?? idk, im American & not very familiar with the UK political system, so it’s a suggestion. im sure you’re not the only one who has run across serious problems/conditions that are damaging & dangerous to patients, it’s the government’s responsibility to set regulations to protect the public!!!

[@southernborn1358]

Neel, the fact that a cashier tried to work on an infected ear is appalling! Plus, the idea that someone as highly trained as a pharmacist (at least they are highly trained and have tons of oversight in the US) is actually unbelievable. If you ha=e a pharmacy board in the UK, I would lodge a complaint, and the patient should too! You did a great job, and spoke with assurance & class. 🙏🙏 I have a dear friend who has been a pharmacist here in the US for 40 years-one of my best friends. A pharmacist here would lose their license if they did ANYTHING out of the direct purview of their license. You are well within your rights to be angry! And, use that anger if you have ANY haters-don’t dignify them with a response, and take the attitude of “I don’t care what you say-I KNOW what is right, and I don’t care if you disagree. Once you can get comfortable with that attitude of you don’t care about haters or people who are simply wrong-your anxiety level will improve greatly. Good for you!! God Bless!

[@deedeebarr7639]

I’m baffled as to why a pharmacist would clean ears? Do they do heart surgery as well? Neel, you are obviously VERY well trained and have much experience in your field. THANK YOU for speaking out! Can you please tell potential clients what degrees, or certificates they should be looking for? PLEEEEEZ! Help us to be able to chose a professional that is right for us and keep the public safe!! As always, I love your videos and will continue to watch! 😊

[@arourtutor8833]

Mr. Raithatha i absolutely right to be annoyed. He obviously cares about patients and soon to be patients. He has experience, and studied and carrys a 4yr degree in this field. Mr. Raithatha has studied and worked very hard to get to where hes at. Hes also very knowledgeable in the biology of the ear and the effects of what happens in many aspects. Good for him. Hes an amazing human being. I hope he keeps up the good fight. Lucky ,CA, USA.

[@MarkJohnson-dr4ws]

Was the pharmacy also offering a barber service ?

[@CarolCCmoto]

It’s time to name the corporate companies who have decided to risk peoples lives.

[@missliznaturelover3114]

I'm in the US and I know many years ago my mother worked for Miracle Ear, the hearing aids company. She had a scope that she looked in my ear with, but I don't know if she did cleanings or not. She was a sales associate and it's insane to think those people are digging around in there like that! 😳

[@suzanneirving7257]

I understand why you are so upset and I applaud you for calling these people out ❤❤❤

[@tanyaturner2689]

This is the thing i don't get. Why are pharmacists or even sales assistants messing with peoples ears? Even opticians who now do hearing test and give out hearing aid dont try and remove wax or dead skin, they tell their patients to go to their doctors to be referred to specialist wax removers like yourself, then go back to have their hearing tested to see if they need a hearing aid once the wax or dead skins has been removed 🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️😳🤯

[@Annie6460]

Neel I agree with every word spoken! Scope of Practice seems to be one thing and for others, WITH NO ETHICAL OR MORAL JUDGEMENT these days…..I know you have been ostracised and some “professionals” have been down right unprofessional towards your good standing. To fight the good fight for HIGHER STANDARDS can be a lonely battle sometimes and disparaging….but you have the will to conquer. So many get away with so much!!! It would be interesting to hear the answer of a non “clinically” trained person in this instance, Ear Care, if posed the exact question you mentioned……would they really be satisfied having someone who’s done only a 2 day course….shuffling paper work examin and treat their ear? I know the answer as do you. A patient/client advocate sits on a very high rating in my thoughts so thank you for bring this to a global attention. Gods Speed Neel. ❤️🇦🇺🇬🇧

[@hellebachmann8260]

In cases like this, I’m so lucky to live in Denmark because of our strickt rules 😮

[@RobinsTinyHomestead]

Oh my word look what they did to his ear. That's horrible.

[@AppleCrostada]

Man, I know people say Americans just wanna sue everyone, but that's bc it's the quickest, most efficient recourse for shady business practices. Here, that would be 100% lawsuit worthy. I can't understand why the UK is so backwards with this 🤦🏼‍♀️ this US has serious issues, but at least I don't have to worry about a non-ENT/trained professional working on my ears 🥲

[@catesmith3011]

Outrageous.

[@gregusmc2868]

I’m ready to fly my 90 year old mother from Ohio to you. She had our state university ENT people “clean” her ears and they started by shooting jets of water in them. She was SO uncomfortable she now refuses to go back and she’s at least 90% deaf.

[@deniseroe5891]

I am glad that pharmacist don’t do that here in Texas, one in particular I don’t even trust to fill a script. That ear looked painful. Hopefully the NHS will regulate this at some point. I truly hope she gets this taken care of before it gets to a life threatening stage.

[@peggyoneill3760]

SCANDALOUS!!!!!! Perfect perfect perfect perfect word!!!! I cant believe there are that many people to attempt these procedures knowing they could cause harm. Too bad there isn’t a comprehensive database that list everyone performing these services good bad or ugly. I’m in the US and currently trying to plastic surgeon with a good reputation I have no idea where to look Just FYI I’m not vain I’ve lost over 200 lbs and am just looking for a little laser peel on my face so I notice the weight loss instead of the incredibly deep wrinkles.

[@lauren9667]

I thought the UK was a fully developed country - yet they allow witch doctors treat such a complex and life impacting organ? Perhaps my ex isn’t so stupid for using an unbent paper clip or pen cap. At least he wouldn’t have paid to be butchered. This video should be broadcasted to the entire population! In the US, we are a litigious people and those charlatans would be forced out of business - and eventually legislated out of business. But the cost would be the hearing and possibly the lives of hundred, perhaps thousands (or more) people. Continue fighting the good fight, Neel!

[@22Purplemist]

That's rich coming for a country that has only just caught onto micro-suction. Yes, you are litigious. We all know about that. The point you're missing is that they are not doing anything illegal even if they are completely incompetent. However, I agree with Neel that they shouldn't be allowed to do something that requires intensive training and knowledge to become qualified. NB you're your ex is just stupid. This patient went to the pharmacist in good faith. Hopefully, they will go to an actual qualified audiologist in the future

[@lauren9667]

@@22Purplemist When did I say the US was a developed country? My daughter got home from a conference and texted when she landed, “At least if I get murdered I’ll be murdered in my own city.” Mass shootings are endemic. We allow insurance companies to dictate who can get what kind of health care. We have kids graduating high school without being able to read because it would hurt their psyches too much if they were held back. Then everyone wonders why they can’t get jobs. The litigiousness of Americans is asinine and should be stopped. Yes, you should be able to sue if the surgeon leaves a sponge in your loved one and s/he dies of sepsis. You should not be allowed to sue because the lawn mower’s users manual didn’t say you shouldn’t use it to trim your shrubs (sad, but true). If it weren’t for our military power, we’d be on par with a moderately developing country. So I think we agree on more than you think. But we definitely agree that Neel should not let this issue go and that my ex is stupid. 🙂 Have a lovely day!

[@22Purplemist]

@@lauren9667 - I think regardless of the US "military power" it is akin to a developing country. However, I concur, you and I agree on lots of things.

[@KissySueknits]

WEW, you’re in a mood today Neel!

[@lacolehill2968]

Does this condition affect both ears

[@courtneymower8402]

The US DOES NOT allow non regulated and thank heavens

[@stevebowtell6763]

Is there a reason why you left so much skin .wax etc this time or is there a part 2

[@paulamarshall3281]

A have seen an advert on the television saying that they now have an ear wax removal person in their clinic, which is a eye clinic, would have gone for a eye test but not for my ears, I thought of what you have said and it made me really angry 😊

[@carolynandrews8474]

What were they thinking? This is indeed serious work

[@blackdandelion5549]

I know you discuss what could be missed, but I don't think it is discussed on how a non-professional can damage an ear as well. The only thing stopping them from using too much suction is the machine right on the eardrum or maybe on a spot they should not be and should have referred the patient on. A perforated ear drum and just apply suction is not a good thing. They can damage people's hearing.

[@lexinekirchner8032]

Good job !!! You are the best!!!

[@icare4you123]

A drug store giving ear cleanings is beyond belief. I don't fault the patient at all. After years of inflation everyone is trying to save money where they can. So glad she's back with you Mr. R.

[@khughes1963]

This is an excellent reason to leave ear cleaning, earwax and keratin removal to people qualified and trained to do it, like Neel and other trained audiologists, trained nurses, or ENT physicians. The sales assistant didn’t know how to properly do the job, and this patient will likely have to undergo surgery to correct the physical damage.

[@sollasemusic8322]

It’s very interesting to me that some pharmacists in the UK can prescribe and even perform procedures. Here in the states, the most they can usually do is give vaccinations.

[@LYNNSTER1971]

Neel, did you refer this patient on to ENT?

[@dianeburgess8699]

Great video Neel. Next the pharmacies will be giving anaesthetics and removing teeth! 😢 so, so dangerous and I don’t blame you for being so cross! 👏❤️

[@MonicaC-r2r]

Hey Neal I was wondering is The UK have Medical Law Suites like the US dosse???

[@janehelbert7551]

How outrageous this would be allowed!

[@TsKitchenCookingChannel242]

❤❤❤YOUR CHANNEL!!!

[@argillaxjinana]

a sales associate?! my god, what a terrifying story, unfortunately becoming more common ...

[@colleenkennedy371]

What are the legalities can she sue. She thought The pharmacist was doing the procedure. She needs to visit a lawyer dealing in medical malpractice!!!!

[@Supasofe]

Perhaps make your prices more affordable for people who need your expertise, but are struggling financialy?

[@sylviaforbes5130]

I’m not in the UK but pharmacists being able to do ear wax removal and not being correctly trained is not right.

[@EmsThaBreaks441]

Now assuming the pharmacist is insured - and the insurance company is likely to be "unhappy" - the poor patient is going to learn the word Bolam.

[@marciakaczmarek6761]

what a disgrace that this happened to your patient.

[@charityratliff9224]

You care about your patients and want the best for purple.

[@allsortsdiane8086]

Watched it on FB Mr Neel. My thought's & opinion is on there.

[@jwiki1]

This is why most specialties have licensing in the US. Licensing requires proof that you have the right education and hands on training that you need to be an audiologist, optician, optometrist, xray tech, etc… pharmacists would never perform this work in the US. Their specialty is drugs and in some cases compounding! A sales clerk???!!! That is just un fathomable in my opinion!! 😳🤯😖

[@altheaking9276]

How can people let their ears get like this smh

[@indirarai1915]

30 years back I took my cousin sister to ENT doctor to remove her earwax. .We were yeens.The doctor tried to take out.wax.directly with the forceps no ear drops no olive oil. It was painful the wax was hard so he prescribed eardrop to moist the wax. From that evening she got fever and the ear got infection. my father took her to the hospital and came back with the antibiotics. Later her wax removed or not i don't remember. I think she didn't. After mamy years her wax was removed. At tha time i thought her ear wax was due to by birth as she was born at home in village. And her ears were not cleaned by midwife

[@FlissFloss2906]

Holy Jesus. A sales assistant was performing ear wax removal when they can’t even tell the difference between keratin and wax. Why don’t people realise that ears and messing with them can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. This is a medical negligence/personal injury claim waiting to happen. Shocking.