Ear Irrigation

Ear irrigation is a routine procedure used to remove excess wax (cerumen) from the ear canal. The ear naturally secretes wax in order to protect and lubricate the ear and to keep debris out, hindering bacterial growth. Under normal conditions, the body keeps the amount of wax within the ear canal under control. Too much wax, or hardened and impacted wax, can cause a blockage in the ear, resulting in earache, ringing in the ears or temporary hearing loss. Removing excess wax with ear irrigation is a safe way to minimize the risk of damage to the ear caused by hardened and impacted wax.

Before ear irrigation is performed, your ears will be examined using an instrument called an auroscope. If wax build-up is identified, the doctor will prescribe drops which will be used for a few days before your ear irrigation procedure, in order to soften the wax within the ear canal before the procedure.

On the day of your procedure, the nurse will perform ear irrigation in our treatment room, using a syringe-like tool. This tool will be used to gently insert water into the ear canal, in order to flush away the impacted wax. You may feel slight discomfort from the water in your ear or from the nurse holding your ear in place, during the procedure. You may also feel a little dizzy after the procedure and you will be kept with the nurse in the treatment room in such circumstances, until this sensation passes. Most patients feel instant relief once the procedure is complete.

For further information, please contact a member of our reception team.