03/05/2024
What does Warm Water Irrigation Feel Like?
Warm Water Irrigation is a system where warm water is gently pumped (pulsed) into the ear canal at a safe, gentle and controlled pressure. The pressure is not enough to damage or perforate the ear drum.
When the water first enter the ears it may give you a tiny fright as it touches the ear canal as it is a little tickly. As the water continues to pulse gently through the ear canal you will become aware of the sensation of warmth from the temp of the water and will notice the gentle pulsing rhythm.
Many patients actually quite enjoy the feeling especially those with itchy ears as it can be quite soothing, relaxing and most importantly relieves the itch!
The irrigation is carried out in cycles of around 10 seconds. The water temp and pressure can be adjusted depending on how stubborn the wax is. The patient holds a cup under the ear which collects all the water and wax which trickles out. Sometimes a larger chunk of wax is dislodged from deeper in the ear canal and gets caught at the entrance. This can be removed easily by hand using tweezers or tiny forceps.
Overall this process is an effective and quick, safe and comfortable way of removing wax.
NB this is a different treatment to syringing. Syringing used to be carried out routinely in general practice. It isn’t recommended any more as it was causing injury to ear drums from the high pressure of water.
