Ear Irrigation

What is ear irrigation?

Impacted or hard wax that has not been displaced by drops alone may need to be removed by the Practice nurse with either a probe or through ear irrigation.  It is generally necessary to use drops (preferably olive oil) for a week prior to irrigation, this is important as the oil is required to soften the wax sufficiently to allow it to be flushed out by irrigation.

At the consultation you should discuss with the nurse any previous ear problems such as ear surgery or discharge. The nurse will assess if irrigation is necessary and appropriate for you. Previous surgery to the ear, recurring ear canal infections or a recent perforation of the ear drum may make irrigation inappropriate.

Ear Irrigation

Ear irrigation  involves the use of a pulsating jet of warm water (a bit like a jet wash!) to remove impacted wax.  The procedure should not be painful. It is a good idea to insert one drop of olive oil into the ear after irrigation, to give some protection after the natural wax coating has been removed.

Complications of the procedure include dizziness, nausea and tinnitus (ringing in the ears), possible damage and/or infection in the external ear canal, and perforation of the ear drum.

INDEX - Services

BACK TO MAIN INDEX