Ear irrigation is a therapeutic medical procedure that is used to clear away excessive earwax (cerumen). Ear irrigation is the next step after ear drops to safely remove the overproduction or blockage of earwax that is in jeopardy of harming the ear canal, with the least possible risk of damaging the ear.
Free ShippingWhat is Ear Irrigation?
Ear irrigation often involves some type of apparatus that comes in the form of a wash or a syringe that squirts properly adjusted lukewarm water into the ear canal to dislodge and loosen hard cerumen, enabling it to exude into the exiting water. This irrigation, for most, is typically painless and can be done at home; however, this procedure is more commonly performed in a clinic administered by a healthcare professional.
Earwax, otherwise known as cerumen, is a yellowish waxy substance secreted from inside the ear canal. Your body produces earwax to protect, clean, and lubricate your ears against bacteria, fungi, insects and water. In many cases, ear irrigation is relatively safe way to remove excess cerumen buildup.
Why is Ear Irrigation Necessary?
The ear canal and ear drum are extremely sensitive. Wax buildup can cause damage, pain, and itchiness to these structures over time.
Foreign materials like insects, small stones, dust, dirt and food get into the ear. When this happens, ear irrigation will quickly and safely remove these materials before they move deeper into the ear, and before they can cause more damage or infections.
Furthermore, bad hygiene habits will also impact cerumen excretion production. Excessive ear wax production will occur when applying cotton swabs, hairpins, and other objects too aggressively into the canal.
When these objects are pushed against the eardrum too severely, the impact alerts the glands to produce additional cerumen. When overproduction of the cerumen occurs, the excessive ear wax hardens and becomes painful, and may lead to “ringing” in the ears, or a mild form of vertigo (dizziness).
How to Choose the Best Ear Irrigation
Earwax production significantly varies from person to person, and it may be difficult to determine how often you should engage in this procedure. Some commercial ear irrigation kits either require a prescription from your doctor, or are intended for professional clinical utilization performed by a healthcare professional.
We recommend consulting with your doctor to help you determine your specific ear irrigation needs, and what is safe for you.
Ear irrigation is NOT advised if you have had problems with this procedure in the past, have had prior ear surgery, or if you have grommets (ear tubes) in place. Additionally, recurring ear infections, a perforated eardrum, or a cleft palate (even if is is repaired) may affect your healthcare provider’s decision in concluding if ear irrigation is the right procedure for you.
Hulet Smith, OTR/L
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO
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