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 irrigation uses an electric pump to gently instill water into the ear canal, to irrigate and remove troublesome ear wax.

An examination is required to determine if ear wax removal by irrigation is indicated.