Wax Removal
With
Irrigation
How Irrigation Works: Benefits, Risks, and What to Expect
At Clear Ear Cheer, we’re dedicated to providing safe, effective ear care that helps you hear the world more clearly.
While microsuction is our primary method, we also offer irrigation as a safe alternative for suitable patients. Recommended by ear care professionals when appropriate, irrigation has been a trusted technique for decades. It’s no longer ear syringing but works on similar principles to this much-used and now outdated method of wax removal.
Below, we’ll explain how irrigation works, its benefits, potential risks, and what you can expect during the procedure, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable with this option.
What is Irrigation?
Irrigation is similar to the traditional ear syringing earwax removal method in that it uses a controlled stream of warm water to flush out earwax from the ear canal gently. It’s a wet technique using modern technology & equipment, giving the earwax removal practitioner greater control of the water stream and the temperature of the water used in the procedure than a syringe would allow.
It differs from the dry method of microsuction and is typically used when microsuction isn’t suitable or when patients prefer a more traditional approach.
At Clear Ear Cheer, we perform irrigation with precision and care, ensuring it’s safe and comfortable, especially for older people.
How Does Irrigation Work?
Here’s a step-by-step look at the irrigation process at Clear Ear Cheer:
1. Initial Assessment: We start by examining your ears with an otoscope to check for wax buildup, infections, or other conditions. If needed, we may use video otoscopy to show you your ear canal on a screen, helping you understand the process. Irrigation isn’t suitable for everyone, so we’ll ensure your ears are safe for this method (e.g., no perforations or infections).
2. Preparation: We’ll ask you to soften the earwax with olive oil or ear drops for a few days before your appointment, making removal easier. During the procedure, you’ll be seated with your head tilted slightly, and we’ll place a towel or basin under your ear to catch the water.
3. Irrigation Procedure: Using a specialised irrigation device, we gently introduce a controlled stream of warm water (at body temperature, around 37°C) into your ear canal. The water dislodges the earwax, which flows out with the water into the basin. We carefully adjust the pressure to avoid discomfort, and the process typically takes 15–30 minutes for both ears, depending on the buildup.
4. Post-Procedure Check: After flushing, we’ll dry your ears with a soft cloth and re-examine them to ensure they’re clear. We’ll also provide aftercare advice, such as keeping your ears dry for 24 hours and avoiding cotton buds to prevent pushing wax back in.
As an HCPI-clinically trained, fully insured, DBS-checked provider, we prioritise your safety and comfort throughout the procedure, delivering expert care with a cheerful touch.
Benefits of Irrigation
Irrigation is a well-established earwax removal method with several advantages, particularly for patients who are suitable candidates:
• Effective for Soft Wax: Irrigation works well for soft or moderate earwax buildup, flushing it out efficiently in a single session. It’s often a good option for patients who don’t have hard, impacted wax.
• Widely Accessible: As a traditional method, irrigation equipment is widely available, and many patients are familiar with the process, which can be reassuring for those hesitant about newer techniques like microsuction.
• Comfortable for Suitable Patients: When performed correctly with warm water at body temperature, irrigation is generally comfortable, with most patients feeling a gentle flushing sensation rather than pain.
• Cost-Effective: Irrigation is the exact cost as microsuction. At Clear Ear Cheer, we ensure competitive pricing while maintaining high safety standards.
• Improves Hearing Quickly: Like microsuction, irrigation often provides immediate relief from symptoms like muffled hearing or a blocked sensation, helping you hear clearly again in just one visit.
Potential Risks of Irrigation
While irrigation is safe when performed by a trained professional, it’s not suitable for everyone, and there are potential risks to be aware of:
• Risk of Infection: Because irrigation uses water, there’s a small risk of introducing moisture that can lead to infections like otitis externa, especially if the ear isn’t appropriately dried afterwards. We minimise this risk by ensuring your ears are thoroughly dried and providing aftercare advice.
• Not Suitable for All Ears: Irrigation isn’t recommended for patients with perforated eardrums, a history of ear surgery, or active ear infections, as the water pressure could cause damage or discomfort. We’ll assess your ears carefully to ensure irrigation is safe for you.
• Discomfort or Pain: If the water temperature or pressure isn’t correctly controlled, irrigation can cause discomfort, pain, or a feeling of fullness. At Clear Ear Cheer, we use precise equipment to maintain a gentle flow at body temperature, minimising any discomfort.
• Temporary Dizziness or Vertigo: The water flow can stimulate the inner ear, potentially causing brief dizziness or vertigo, particularly in patients with balance issues. This usually resolves quickly, and we’ll monitor you closely during and after the procedure.
• Risk of Pushing Wax Further: If the wax is hard or impacted, irrigation might push it deeper into the ear canal, making removal more difficult. We mitigate this by requiring wax softening beforehand and assessing the wax consistency during the initial examination.
As an HCPI-trained provider, we follow strict safety protocols to minimise these risks, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for every patient.
What to Expect During Your Irrigation Appointment
We want you to feel prepared and confident before your irrigation appointment. Here’s what you can expect:
• A Welcoming Experience: We’ll greet you with a smile and explain the process in simple terms, answering any questions you have. Our goal is to make you feel at ease, especially if you’re nervous about ear procedures.
• Sensation of Water: You’ll feel a gentle stream of warm water in your ear, which may feel unusual but shouldn’t be painful. Some patients describe it as a soothing flushing sensation, while others may feel slight pressure. We’ll check in with you throughout to ensure you’re comfortable.
• Comfort and Care: The procedure is generally well-tolerated, though you might feel a bit of water trickling out, which we’ll catch with a basin or towel. If you experience any discomfort, we can adjust the pressure or stop at any time.
• Immediate Results: Most patients notice an instant improvement in hearing and comfort after the procedure, often leaving with a renewed sense of clarity and a smile!
Why Choose Irrigation with Clear Ear Cheer?
Irrigation remains a safe and effective earwax removal option for suitable patients, and at Clear Ear Cheer, we bring this service to you with expertise and care. Whether you’re at a care home, medical practice, or in the comfort of your own home, our on-site service ensures convenience and comfort. Professionally and clinically trained at the Healthcare Professional Institute (HCPI), fully insured, and DBS-checked specialist ear care provider, we’re dedicated to helping you hear better with a cheerful approach.
Ready to experience the benefits of irrigation?