Ear Irrigation

What is ear irrigation?

Ear irrigation is a procedure to wash dirt and wax out of your ear canal. This procedure is also called lavage. You may need ear irrigation if you are having trouble hearing because of a buildup of earwax.

You may also have ear irrigation as part of the treatment for an ear infection. Getting wax and dirt out of your ear canal can help some medicines given as ear drops work better.

How is ear irrigation performed?

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals. You may be given ear drops to put in your ear 15–20 minutes before irrigation. This helps loosen the wax.

Then, a syringe containing water and a sterile salt solution (saline) can be gently inserted into the ear canal. The saline is used to flush out wax and other debris.

Ear irrigation kits are also available to use at home. Ask your health care provider if this is an option for you. Use a home irrigation kit only as told by your health care provider.

Read the package instructions carefully. Follow the directions for using the syringe. Use water that is room temperature.

Do not do ear irrigation at home if you:

• Have diabetes. Diabetes increases the risk of infection.
• Have a hole or tear in your eardrum.
• Have tubes in your ears.

What are the risks of ear irrigation?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• Infection.
• Pain.
• Hearing loss.
• Pushing water and debris into the eardrum. This can occur if there are holes in the eardrum.
• Ear irrigation failing to work.

How should I care for my ears after having them irrigated?

Cleaning

• Clean the outside of your ear with a soft washcloth daily.
• If told by your health care provider, use a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide, or over-the-counter earwax softening drops.
• Do not use cotton swabs to clean your ears. These can push wax down into the ear canal.

Do not put anything into your ears to try to remove wax. This includes ear candles.

General Instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, use it as told by your health care provider.Do not stop using the antibiotic even if your condition improves.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
• Visit your health care provider at least once a year to have your ears and hearing checked.

When should I seek medical care?

Seek medical care if:

• Your hearing is not improving or is getting worse.
• You have pain or redness in your ear.
• You have fluid, blood, or pus coming out of your ear.