Ear irrigation / 'ear syringing' from £40
What's the difference between ear irrigation and ear syringing?
Ear irrigation is not the same as what used to be known as “syringing”, whereby ear wax was directly syringed out of the ear by hand using a large syringe. With this method the pressure was widely variable and dependent on the technique of the practitioner – this approach is now outdated and not used. Modern ear irrigation machines provide a consistent and controlled flow of water and the pressure does not depend on the practitioners manual control.
Cerumen (ear wax) is a natural product made by the human ear in order to protect it, but the amount produced can vary between individuals and at different times during one’s life. If the amount of wax becomes excessive plugs of wax can form causing problems such as loss of hearing, discomfort or ringing in the ear (tinnitus).
Ear drops will often clear a waxy plug, olive oil is recommended (available at most chemists).
If symptoms have not improved after 7 days of using olive oil drops ear irrigation may be considered. Please continue to use oil drops until seen by our nurse. Irrigation will not be performed unless you have used the oil for at least 7 days as the risk of complications is higher and the success rate is lower.
Ear irrigation is a widely used procedure to inject water into the ear using specialist equipment. The machine used ensures that the water is delivered in the right way and at the right temperature, so that the procedure is comfortable and not harmful to the ear.
The water is inserted to remove the wax, which then drains away out of the ear.
In order to ensure that ear irrigation is the most appropriate treatment for you, our nurse will first examine your ear and ask some questions about your medical history.
It is not safe to irrigate the ear if you have had
No ear wax removal method is risk free, some of the risks and side effects with ear irrigation include
General ear care
Call or email to arrange your free telephone consultation.
Ear irrigation is not the same as what used to be known as “syringing”, whereby ear wax was directly syringed out of the ear by hand using a large syringe. With this method the pressure was widely variable and dependent on the technique of the practitioner – this approach is now outdated and not used. Modern ear irrigation machines provide a consistent and controlled flow of water and the pressure does not depend on the practitioners manual control.
Cerumen (ear wax) is a natural product made by the human ear in order to protect it, but the amount produced can vary between individuals and at different times during one’s life. If the amount of wax becomes excessive plugs of wax can form causing problems such as loss of hearing, discomfort or ringing in the ear (tinnitus).
Ear drops will often clear a waxy plug, olive oil is recommended (available at most chemists).
- Warm the bottle of olive oil by holding it in the hand for a few minutes.
- Lie down on your side with the affected ear upwards and drop 3 - 4 drops of olive oil in to the ear using a dropper (which can be purchased from the chemist)
- Remain in this position for 10 minutes allowing the olive oil to settle. Repeat 2 -3 times a day if possible for a week.
- Repeat other ear if necessary.
If symptoms have not improved after 7 days of using olive oil drops ear irrigation may be considered. Please continue to use oil drops until seen by our nurse. Irrigation will not be performed unless you have used the oil for at least 7 days as the risk of complications is higher and the success rate is lower.
Ear irrigation is a widely used procedure to inject water into the ear using specialist equipment. The machine used ensures that the water is delivered in the right way and at the right temperature, so that the procedure is comfortable and not harmful to the ear.
The water is inserted to remove the wax, which then drains away out of the ear.
In order to ensure that ear irrigation is the most appropriate treatment for you, our nurse will first examine your ear and ask some questions about your medical history.
It is not safe to irrigate the ear if you have had
- previous ear surgery
- problems with ear irrigation in the past
- a discharge of mucus from your ear or a recent ear infection
- perforated ear drum
- cleft palate (repaired or not)
No ear wax removal method is risk free, some of the risks and side effects with ear irrigation include
- Ear wax being further impacted into the ear canal by the water being pumping into the ear.
- Damage and trauma to the ear canal and eardrum (including perforation).
- Hearing loss (temporary or permanent) and tinnitus (ringing type noise inside the ear) or worsening of it if already experienced. This is rare.
- Faintness, dizziness or vertigo if the water is not at body temperature. This is due to the ‘caloric’ effect and is normally only short lasting.
- An outer ear canal infection (e.g. otitis externa). This is more likely in people who have eczema or history of developing ear infections.
- Infection of the porous and air-filled bone surrounding the ear (mastoiditis).
- It is not recommended ears are irrigated in the 2 weeks before flying.
General ear care
- Do not insert anything into your ears in an attempt to clean them e.g. cotton buds. These can damage the delicate lining of the ear and may perforate the ear drum. You may also be pushing wax further into the ear and stimulating increased wax production.
- Do not block the ear canal with cotton wool as this will interfere with the natural cleansing action.
- Keep your ears dry.
- Regular use of olive oil (one drop a week) may help to prevent the build up of excessive wax.
Call or email to arrange your free telephone consultation.
