Ear wax helps to clean, lubricate and protect the ear canal, but impacted ear wax can be a nuisance, especially if hearing is impaired. A blocked ear can also cause earache, dizziness or tinnitus, and excessive ear wax may make it difficult for a doctor to examine the ear thoroughly when diagnosing an ear disorder. When impacted ear wax is causing severe problems, ear syringing by a health professional may be needed.
Treatment of a Blocked Ear with an Ear Syringe
According to a survey from Scotland, irrigation using an ear syringe is the most popular method for cleaning ear wax among general practitioners, though the syringing is usually done by a practice nurse.
The traditional metal ear wax syringe is still in common use. Better results may be achieved with an electric irrigator, however, as this allows more precise control of both the water pressure and the direction of the jet. The water in the syringe should be at body temperature (around 37°C); water that is too hot or too cold can cause dizziness.
Before attempting ear syringing, the doctor or nurse may advise the patient to use ear drops at home for up to a week prior to the procedure. This may clear up the problem without any need for further treatment or, if the ear remains blocked, syringing will be quicker and easier.
Ear Syringing Side Effects
Like all medical procedures, use of an ear wax syringe can have complications. In the worst cases, the eardrum may be accidentally perforated if the pressure of the water jet is too high. Other possible side effects of ear syringing include damage to the ear canal or outer ear, inflammation, tinnitus, dizziness and earache. Due to the risk of complications, a blocked ear should be syringed only when absolutely necessary.
Treatment with an ear syringe is not recommended for people with a currently or previously perforated eardrum, an ear infection or grommets. Those who have had surgery on the ear are also usually excluded from syringing, as are children under the age of 16 years.
Is Cleaning Ear Wax Necessary?
Ear wax is a natural substance required for the healthy functioning of the ear, so if it is not causing problems it should not be removed. Ear syringing is the most common method of ear wax removal among health professionals, though severely impacted wax may have to extracted by an ear specialist using instruments such as an ear pick and a microscope to view the inside of the ear canal.
References:
American Academy of Otolaryngology − Head and Neck Surgery. Earwax. Accessed 10-07-10
Aung T, Mulley GP. Removal of Ear Wax. BMJ 2002; 325: 27.
Sharp JF et al. Ear Wax Removal: A Survey of Current Practice. BMJ 1990; 301: 1251−3.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
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