Preparation for your appointment
To aid the removal of the wax more effectively from the ear prior to irrigation, it is important for the wax to be softened first. This can be done by
Instilling olive oil drops at least twice daily into the affected ear for a minimum of 2 weeks before your appointment date.
Gently pull the outer ear backwards and upwards and with the dropper, drop 2-5 drops into the ear canal at least twice daily. Do this right up until the day of your appointment.
Gently massage the small thick flap of skin at the bottom of the ear for a few minutes.
Remain lying down for 10 minutes. When you get up wipe away any excess oil.
If the nurse assesses your ear and the wax isn’t sufficiently softened you will be asked to continue to administer ear drops for a further period of time.
Ear irrigation
Ear irrigation replaces the old fashioned technique of ear
syringing and uses an electronic ear irrigation machine to
remove ear wax.
This machine contains a storage reservoir unit for water and a hand held nozzle or ear irrigation syringe which pumps water into the ear canal at a controlled and steady rate in an attempt to dislodge and flush out ear wax.
Ear irrigation typically takes between 15-30 minutes to perform. This can vary depending on the amount and type of of ear wax, how deep the ear wax is inside the ear canal and whether you are having one or both ears treated