Ear Wax Removal By Irrigation
Ear Wax Removal By Irrigation
Ear Wax Removal By Irrigation
What Is Water Irrigation?
In days gone by, people suffering from a buildup of earwax would visit their GP who would use a metal syringe filled with water to remove any blockage. Fortunately, this method is now discredited as it could cause more harm than good and was not an effective or safe treatment. Even more so if anyone had upset the GP that day!
You may have also heard of the micro-suction technique which is a small vacuum that sucks out ear wax rather than flushing it out.
I am offering a safe and effective alternative to this method by using water at body temperature to gently flush the wax out.
However, it must be noted that this technique is not suitable for everyone and you may need to be referred for micro-suction following my initial assessment.
Your Appointment at Calder Pin Drop Ears
The first thing I will do is go through an assessment form with you to make sure you are suitable for this type of wax removal and explain the benefits and risks involved. Then I will check both ears with an otoscope (light) to determine if the wax is soft enough to be removed and ask you to sign a written consent form. There will also be an option for you to view inside your ear canals both before and after treatment on a camera screen if you wish and your appointment time allows.
Using an electronic ear irrigation machine which has a water reservoir containing water at body temperature I can deliver a safe, quick and effective treatment for the removal of soft wax. The machine has a variable pressure control so that irrigation can begin at the lowest pressure of water flow to cater for different sensitivities and needs.
I will pull the external part of your ear upwards and outwards to open up the ear canal. Then a handheld nozzle which is attached to the machine is inserted just inside the outer ear and gently sprays water into the ear canal at a controlled and steady rate. When the water gets behind the soft wax it causes the wax to be flushed out and into a receptacle called a noots tank which you will be holding next to your ear.
Some clients find it a comfortable procedure and quite relaxing whilst others may have temporary mild discomfort as it is strange to have water sprayed into your ear. I will stop the procedure at any point if it proves to be too uncomfortable. The whole appointment process usually takes around 30 minutes, which includes the assessment and consent.
You will need to be aged over 18 years and give written consent to the procedure understanding the risks and benefits explained to you. You will need to be able to hold the noots tank receiver in place during the procedure or bring someone with you who can assist with this.
Suitability for this Procedure
Not everyone is suitable for earwax removal by irrigation which is why I will need to do a full assessment prior to starting the procedure.
Please note it will not be a suitable treatment if you have had:
- A perforated eardrum
- Ear surgery
- Cleft palate
- Grommets inserted in the last 18 months
- Pain in or around the middle ear
- Mucus discharge from the ears
- Infection from your ears or treatment for this in the last 6 weeks
- Have experienced previous problems with irrigation ie. pain or severe vertigo
- Have any other ear complaints
Also, this is not a suitable procedure for removing wax from children’s ears and I am not insured to do so. The minimum age I can treat is aged 18 years.
The intended benefit is to identify impacted ear wax and ensure the wax is removed safely, quickly and by a trained professional you can trust. Irrigating the ear using water is very effective if you follow the preparation advice and is preferred by some clients.
It can be very relaxing and other benefits include:
SAFE… Water is at a low pressure
FAST… A quick process, usually taking no more than 15 mins per ear
CLEAN… Completely washes the ear and drum clean.
Irrigation carries a small risk of damage to the tympanic membrane (ear drum) through perforation which can affect your hearing. In rare cases, some clients may experience tinnitus (buzzing or ringing in the ears) for a few weeks afterwards, or the procedure may exacerbate tinnitus.
Following the procedure, you may feel slightly dizzy, faint or nauseous but this is just a temporary side effect and will pass. Slight bleeding is an unusual side effect and may be caused when the wax/skin is stuck to the ear canal when it is removed and will settle quickly without treatment.
As with any procedure, there is a small risk of infection and treatment is available from your GP or Pharmacist to treat this. There is a chance that I may not be able to remove all the wax on the first attempt especially if the ears have not been prepared well in advance.
Please be assured that all instruments used are for single-client use only and I follow strict infection control procedures.
