"Do not believe that the treatment was of expected professional standard."

I was referred by GP for inspection of my larynx and had examination of my ears resulting in bleeding and deafness.

The consultation was in Tasmania by an ENT specialist. I believe the request sent by my GP was for an inspection of my larynx only, as I had excessive mucus in my throat which was causing me problems when I had to talk for long periods of time. My ears were under the care of Hearing Australia and giving me no grief. They had been examined 2 days prior and declared OK with a minimum of wax.

I had no idea what the intention was when the doctor asked me to climb up 2 or 3 steps onto a high platform used as a couch.

The doctor looked into my ear and when began picking at the epithelium with alligator forceps I objected but seemingly the doctor would not desist and I was crying and begging to be allowed to get off the table. I suggested I put oil into my ears to soften the wax which the doctor claimed was there. This was denied. I know I became very confused as the doctor did not appear to take any notice of my pleas.

The doctor then applied a suction device to the drum and caused excruciating pain. The table was so high I could not get off. Both ears were bleeding when I left and inspected by both my GP and Hearing Australia who I believe both reported clots over the right drum and blood in the Left canal.

I sent a report to the Ombudsman's office and have a huge folder of back and forth ever since with the final communication from the Tasmanian Medical Board telling me the matter is closed. It would also seem that they had also advised that what the ENT specialist did was for my benefit! It appeared to me that they tried to blame my GP for not telling the specialist that I was on a particular prescription but I don't believe that there was any need to do so, for an inspection of my larynx.

I was informed that "independent expert opinion confirms the Dr's management was appropriate and in keeping with expected professional standards for an Otolaryngologist in the circumstances". They would not let me see these deliberations nor inform me of the extra costs that this unnecessary procedure attracted, when I asked for these.

I now have considerable deafness which is unrelieved by the most sophisticated hearing aids and I am disadvantaged, socially, professionally and financially.