I am a light sleeper and have been using ear plugs to bed for quite some time. 2 weeks ago, my boyfriend picked up some of Superdrugs own-brand earplugs, which are like a soft silicone putty. He wore a pair to a concert and gave me the remaining two pairs to use.

Despite the box saying they are suitable for sleeping in, after the third night of wearing them, I found that I couldn't remove one of them. It turns out that the squishy silicone softened so much with my body heat that it slipped down into my ear canal, and adhered to my ear drum. It is nigh on impossible to get rid of due to its texture - it is soft and sticky and firmly attached to the inside of my ear.

I have been in and out of hospital seeing specialist ear doctors for the past week, have had time off work and have been in constant pain for 8 days now. I am due to have a procedure under general anesthetic with the very real possibility that it will cause permanent damage to my ear drum - that is if it is not already damaged (they're not sure, they can't see the drum at the moment as it's covered in a layer of silicone).

My question is, is there any action I can take against Superdrug? This is clearly a product that is not fit for purpose. The product was used exactly how the box directed and was not forced down into the ear in any way. From no fault of my own, I have lost earnings, am suffering daily and potentially will have to deal with damaged hearing for the rest of my life.

How would I go about seeking compensation for this disaster?

(Please move if not in correct forum, wasn't sure where to post)

any chance you can give us the product details?

Please see these photos of the product.

how far did you put the plug in? as it says to only put it in the opening which is a very small area. NOT in the canal itself which is what a lot of people do with ear plugs

across not in

Fair point. I just looked them up online and theyre not the normal type. Theyre the new ones that stick to the ear.

I've used them for ages and just tried putting one above the radiator where temperature is 46C.

They don't melt, the only get warm and softer.

I think you got a dodgy lot and of course Superdrug would be responsible if found that the product was faulty.

This is best dealt with by a qualified solicitor, so if you hav ed legal cover with your home insurance this is the time to call them.

I can foresee Superdrug claiming that you used the plugs incorrectly, so a good negotiator is essential.

Hopefully you still have the offending plugs and original box.

Wooah hold on with the solicitor talk. A report from the doctor/surgeon needs to be made first, then presented to superdrugs CEO or legal team. THEN decide on a solicitor if they still say its not their fault.

If legal cover is available from home insurance, i would let the solicitor do all the running around.

Why involve a solicitor yet? A solicitor wont be able to do anything until a full medical report has been done, and that wont happen until after the operation.

Solicitor can and will arrange an assessment