Ear Irrigation
What is ear irrigation?
Our clinicians use a specialised ear irrigator to gently apply a low-pressure flow of body-temperature water to the outer ear canal. Irrigation helps remove ear wax safely and effectively, making it a much safer alternative to the older technique of ear syringing. The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the amount, type, and depth of the ear wax. To prepare for the procedure, we recommend using olive oil drops for 3 to 4 days before the appointment, which helps soften the ear wax.
Irrigation is not recommended for patients who have had any form of ear surgery or a perforated ear drum in the past; or an ear infection within the last 6 weeks.
Ear irrigation procedure:
Ear irrigation is a method used to remove earwax from the ear canal. It is performed using a calibrated device with a reservoir of body temperature water that is used to to gently spritz water into the ear canal, with the pressure adjusted and the nozzle manoeuvred to dislodge the earwax. The process is repeated until the wax has been removed and the eardrum is visible once again. Patients with ear drum perforations, mastoid cavities, or other ear surgery or an ear infection within the last 6 weeks are not eligible for this method.
Ear wax Syringing
Ear syringing is an older method of removing wax from the ear. It is no longer considered best practice, with electronic irrigation being the modern and preferred alternative.
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