Ear irrigation is only recommended in the rare occasions as it can lead to ear infections, perforated ear drum and tinnitus (persistent noise) and therefore it is only performed in exceptional circumstances.
We will provide the Ear Irrigation service where the patient:
- Has a previously diagnosed hearing impairment not solely caused by the presence of wax; and/or
- Wears a hearing aid; and/or
- Where referral to audiology is planned but ear wax needs removal prior to audiological assessment; and/or
- Has been referred to the practice by audiology
How to treat earwax build up yourself
A doctor or nurse can look into the ear canal and confirm a plug of earwax has formed. A plug of earwax is not a serious problem, more a nuisance.
Earwax helps protect your ears from dirt and germs. You only need to remove earwax if it is causing symptoms such as dulled hearing or when fitting a hearing aid.
There are two options that will allow you to remove earwax at home:
Ear Drops
If you are prone to repeated wax built up you can continue to use olive oil drops twice a week to prevent recurrence.
Earwax is a normal build-up of dead cells, hair, foreign material such as dust, and natural wax which forms a protective coating on the skin in the ear canal. The quantity of earwax produced varies greatly from person to person.
Note: If you think you have ear wax, do not try to clean the ear canal with cotton wool buds, fingers, hairgrips, matchsticks etc. This can make things worse, as you will push some earwax deeper inside. It may also cause an ear infection.
How to use ear drops:
Warm the drops to room temperature before using them
Pour a few drops into the affected ear
Lie with the affected ear uppermost when putting in drops
Stay like this for 10 minutes to allow the drops to soak into the earwax.
Bulb Syringing
Bulb syringing is a safe, alternate way to remove ear wax. Bulb syringes can be easily purchased from a pharmacy and allow you to clear your ears from wax in your own home.
If your ears are painful or have fluid coming out of them, or if you have a hole in their ear drum (perforation) or have recently had surgery on your ear you should see a doctor or nurse and don’t use this method.
Instructions for bulb syringing:
Use olive oil drops twice a day for at least 14 days prior to bulb syringing. Or alternatively use sodium bicarbonate ear drops purchased from your pharmacy (please read the manufacturers leaflet.)
Wash your hands.
Use a bowl of cooled, boiled water that is warm to the touch, not too hot or too cold
Prepare the syringe by squirting water in and out of it a few times
Gently pull your outer ear “up and out” to help straighten out the canal, which will allow better access for the water
Tilt your head so the ear to be treated is upmost
Place the tip of the syringe into the opening of the ear- do not push the syringe further into the ear and gently squirt one or more bulb syringes of water into your ear. (This might be best done in the shower so that the excess water will run into the bathtub and not on your floor)
Allow the water to remain in your ear for at least 60 seconds. Gently tilt your head in the opposite direction and wiggle your outer ear
If, after 3 weeks or more, you are still deaf from wax, you will need to make an appointment with a doctor or nurse to decide what should be done.
- Speak to a pharmacist about earwax build-up. They can give advice and suggest treatments.
- You can’t prevent earwax, but you can keep using ear drops to soften the wax. This will help it fall out on its own and should prevent blocked ears.
