Ear irrigation is the modern version of ear syringing, uses an electionic ear irrigation machine to remove ear wax. Commonly used by NHS GP's and nurses or private hearing aid dispensers. This method uses a machine which contains a storage reservoir unit for water and a hand held syringe, which pumps water into the ear canal at a controlled and steady rate, to dislodge and flush wax out of the ear.

The pressure flow of water can be adjusted and increased if necessary to remove the wax. The hand held syringe can be angled to ensure that water is pumped again the ear canal wall to avoid causing trauma to the eardrum. Like with syringing, the idea behind water irrigation is for water to get pumped "in behind" the wax to try and flush it out of the ear.

Standard procedure time can take from 15-30 minutes, but this can vary depending on depth of wax in the canal, shape of canal, type and amount of wax and whether you are having one or both ears cleared. This is usually performed with the person sat still, with their head slightly tilted, so the ear being treated is facing upwards. As the water runs back out, a cup-shaped basin is placed beneath the ear to collect the water and any wax that may have been flushed out.

Benefits of water irrigation

Water irrigation can be effective at removing wax if performed correctly and safely.

The wax can not be fully impacted and blocking the ear
It can be performed at GP practices by nurses, although many GP practices are no longer offering ear irrigation services due to its limitations and side effects.
Saves the need to avoid other wax removal methods.
Some people can find it therapeutic.

Limitations of Ear/ water irrigation

Cannot be performed on people with perforations, grommets, mastoid cavity cleft palate, foreign objects inside the ear canal, although considered slightly safer than syringing
If there was an outer or middle ear infection in the last 6 weeks
Syringing should be avoided if you have a weak or healed eardrum following a perforation in the last 12 months or had ant ear surgery within the last 18 months.
Ear wax needs to be softened for at least a week before syringing can be performed. This causes further increase in the ear blockage and can exacerbate any other associated symptoms.

Other complications include:

Wax becoming further impacted into the ear canal by water being pumped into the ear.
Damage and trauma to the ear canal and eardrum- this can include perforation.
Hearing loss (temporary or permanent) and tinnitus (noise inside the ear), or worsening of it if already experienced.
Faintness, dizziness or vertigo if the water is not at body temperature. This is usually only short lasting and is due to the "caloric" effect.
Infection of the outer ear canal eg otitis externa. More likely to occur in people with eczema or a history of developing ear infections.
Mastoiditis, which is the infection of the porpis and air filled bone surrounding the ear.
When self administered, there is no inspection of the outer ear and ear canal before or after the procedure to check for any complications or contraindications.

Benefits of water irrigation

Limitations of Ear/ water irrigation

Other complications include:

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