Ear Irrigation by Elaine

What is ear irrigation?

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, replaces the old-fashioned technique of ear syringing and uses an irrigation device to introduce water into the ear, rather than squirting straight in. This allows water to flush the wax out safely.

Purpose of ear irrigation

The ear, especially the canal and eardrum, is very sensitive. Earwax build up can cause damage to these structures over time. This can affect your hearing. Removing excess earwax with ear irrigation is a safe way to minimize the risk of damage to the ear.

Sometimes foreign materials like food, insects, or small stones can get into the ear. In these cases, the goal is to safely and quickly remove the items before they move deeper into the ear or do damage to the delicate canal. Ear irrigation can be effective in removing foreign materials from the ear.

Ears need just as much looking after as any other part of the body.