Irrigation
Ear irrigation provides a safer approach to the removal of ear wax than ear syringing.
Ear irrigation is a routine procedure used to remove excess earwax, or cerumen, and foreign materials from the ear.
The ear naturally secretes wax to protect and lubricate the ear as well as to keep debris out and hinder bacterial growth. Under normal conditions, the body keeps the amount of earwax in the ears under control. Too much earwax or hardened earwax can cause a blockage in the ear, resulting in earaches, ringing in the ears, or temporary hearing loss.
Ear Drops
What you will need
Olive oil ; Pipette; Tissue/Cloth
Method
Ear drops can be instilled by yourself, or another person can do this for you if you find it difficult to do.
Ensure hands are washed and clean prior to instillation of ear drops.
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Warm the ear drops by holding the bottle between your hands for 1-2 minutes. This prevents the drops feeling cold in your ear and makes them more pliable.
Do not put the bottle into very hot water as it may make the drops too hot and hurt the ear.
Fill the pipette with the drops and check there is no air at the tip.
The patient should lie down on their side with the affected ear uppermost.
Gently pull the top of the ear up and back so that it lies flat against your head.
Administer 2-3 drops in the ear and gently massage the outside of the ear to allow the drops to circulate and soak into the wax.
The patient should remain lying on side for a minimum of 10 minutes to allow the drops to absorb. This will prevent them running out of the ear and allow maximum benefit.
Do not apply cotton wool or an ear plug as it will absorb the drops. The patient may experience a temporary reduction of hearing or a sensation of fluid in the ears.
Use a tissue or clean cloth to wipe any excess drops from the outside of the ear.
Repeat the process in the other ear if required or as advised by your health professional.
Suggest instilling 2-3 drops, 2-3 times a day for 5 days prior to ear irrigation.
OUR NURSE
Suzanne Davies – RGN
Suzanne Davies
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OUR FEES
Initial Examination Of Ear
Ear Wax Removal (One Ear)
Ear Wax Removal (Two Ears)
IMPORTANT: It is essential that your ears are examined prior to irrigation.
This can be done free of charge at your GP surgery, or by having that examination carried out at Healthpoint for a fee of £15.
The ear examination will determine if ear wax is present and ear irrigation is indicated for the removal of the wax.
PLEASE NOTE: Irrigation cannot be performed if you have had an ear infection in the last 6 weeks, or if there is a history of ear perforation in the affected ear.
Often still referred to as ear syringing, ear wax removal is much more commonly done nowadays by ear irrigation.
Ear irrigation, provides a safer approach to the removal of ear wax than ear syringing.
Ear irrigation uses an electric pump to gently instill water into the ear canal, to irrigate and remove troublesome ear wax.