Ear Irrigation

What is ear wax?

Earwax is a buildup of dead skin cells, hair, dust, and cerumen, the natural wax produced by glands in the ear.  It serves as a protective coating in the ear canal and is produced continuously, with flakes typically falling out on their own.

The amount of earwax varies among individuals.  Some people develop earwax plugs, which can cause a feeling of fullness, reduced hearing, and discomfort. In some cases, a plug may also lead to ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or mild dizziness (vertigo).

A doctor or nurse can confirm the presence of an earwax plug.  It is usually not a serious issue, but removal may be necessary if it causes symptoms or to facilitate the fitting of a hearing aid or examination of the eardrum.

Note: do not try to clean the ear canal with cotton wool buds, etc.  This can make things worse, as you will push some ear wax deeper inside.  It may also cause an ear infection.  So, let the ear clean itself.

What can I do if ear wax builds up and causes symptoms?

Ear drops

Ear drops can often clear ear wax plugs.  You can find drops like olive oil, almond oil, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium chloride at pharmacies.  Warm them to room temperature before use. Lie with the affected ear up and pour in a few drops, staying in that position for 5 minutes.  For best results, use the drops 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks.  The wax will soften and may fall out gradually, though you might not notice it.

Ear irrigation (formerly known as ear syringing)

Ear irrigation may be necessary if ear drops and an ear bulb do not effectively clear earwax.  It involves washing the ear canal with warm water but is only safe if the earwax has been softened with ear drops (like olive oil) used 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks.  If ear drops haven't been used, the irrigation may not work, requiring a follow-up visit.

The procedure is usually painless, with lukewarm water squirted into the ear to dislodge the softened wax.  If discomfort occurs, washing is stopped.  Afterward, I will examine and decide what the next step should be. 

• Some people may feel dizzy temporarily, and there can be a risk of infection for 4 to 5 days post-irrigation.  If you experience ear pain, itching, discharge, or swelling, please go to your local pharmacy. 
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Ear irrigation may not be advised if you have certain ear problems. In particular, if you:

• Have had complications following this procedure in the past.
• Currently have grommets in place (grommets are small plastic tubes placed in the eardrums in an operation).
• Have had ear surgery in the past (apart from grommets that have come out at least 18 months previously and you have been discharged from the hospital ear department).
• Have a cleft palate (even if it has been repaired).
• Have an ear infection or have had an ear infection in the previous six weeks.
• Have recurring infections of the ear canal (recurring otitis externa).
• Have, or have had, a burst (perforated) ear drum.

If ear irrigation does not work, or is not advised, You may be referred to your Doctors for further advice