I HAVE the same problem as the author of the letter, “I want my ears syringed at a GP’s surgery” (November 17). I am also having problems obtaining an appointment to have my ears syringed.

Last Thursday, I went to see the doctor to ensure there was no infection in my ears and was told to make an appointment with the nurse to have them syringed.

The earliest I could get at the practice I attend was for one day short of four weeks.

I think your previous letter writer (name and address supplied) was quoted two weeks — you should be so lucky. I contacted another practice, but was told that they only accept people registered there.

This may seem a minor problem to many people, but imagine what it is like to only catch part of many conversations. Trying to listen to dialogue on the television is also very frustrating, and I hate to see the irritation on people’s faces when I ask them to repeat themselves.

In fact, there are times when I am reluctant to join in a conversation to avoid getting the wrong end of the stick.

Basically, I have been left in a situation where I am now deaf, all because I cannot get my ears syringed, which I do not believe is acceptable.

I am old enough to remember when you would visit the doctor, be given drops for a few days and return to have your ears syringed by the doctor with a large unit, rather like an icing syringe.

This would blast out the wax and leave you slightly dizzy for a couple of minutes, but also asking people to keep their voices down!

The current electric pump is about as much use as a chocolate teapot, but I would be grateful even for that if I could only get an early appointment.

We keep reading about NHS targets. Would that they could introduce one for something like this.

Name and address also supplied