Ear irrigation by me involves using warm distilled water to clear out excess wax in your ear, or to soak a stubborn piece of wax, or skin, to make it softer and suction it out after.

Ear irrigation is not syringing.

I can still see into the ear whilst doing irrigation, and is a much more gentle approach.

While it’s generally a safe process, it’s not uncommon to experience some dizziness afterward.

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.

Purpose of ear irrigation

The ear, especially the canal and eardrum, is very sensitive. Earwax buildup 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.

Ear irrigation process

Before I perform an ear irrigation, I will look inside your ear to ensure that your symptoms are the result of excess wax buildup or foreign materials and not something more serious.

If wax buildup is the issue, I will perform the irrigation using special irrigation water pulsating machine.

I will insert water  into the ear to flush out the wax. It may feel a bit strange, but I use the lowest setting, so it is a gentle soaking if warm water.

Risks of ear irrigation

Do not undergo ear irrigation if you have a damaged eardrum, ventilation tubes (grommets) in your ears, or a condition that weakens your immune system.

You also should not get ear irrigation if you have an active infection in your ear canal.

Side effects

These side effects are not typically as serious, but they can be uncomfortable.

Common side effects of ear irrigation include:

temporary dizziness

ear canal discomfort or pain

tinnitus, or ringing in the ears

Side effects are typically short-lasting and go away within a day. If you experience pain or discomfort that gets worse instead of better or have any other symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor.

If you experience severe pain, make an appointment to see them right away in case you have a perforated eardrum or other ear damage.