Ear irrigation

Ear irrigation is an ear cleansing method used to remove a buildup of earwax. Irrigation involves gently inserting liquid into the ears to flush the earwax out.

Ear irrigation

During our ear irrigation procedure the patient sits in a chair and the ear is rinsed with warm water from an electronic irrigator. The wax and water is collected in a basin or cup-shaped device which the patient holds under their ear.

Ear irrigation does make some noise but this is not excessive or uncomfortable. Most people who have irrigation find it to be a fairly pleasant procedure.

 

Please note that ear irrigation is not appropriate if you have:
 

  • A perforated eardrum, or if you have had a perforation in the last 12 months

  • Previously had problems with irrigation, such as pain in your ear or severe vertigo

  • Have a discharge of mucus from your ear or have had an ear infection in the preceding two months

  • Have recurring or persistent infections of the ear canal

  • You have had any ear surgery (apart from cases of extruded grommets which had come out at least 18 months beforehand) had a middle ear infection (otitis media) in the past six weeks