Syringing

This is an outdated method of ear wax removal, this procedure has lost its popularity over the years in favour of ear irrigation. An old-fashioned metal syringe is used to pump water into the ear canal in an attempt to dislodge and flush out ear wax.

These are rarely used today and substitured by lower pressued plastic syringes. This method is no longer used by NHS nurses or GP's. This method is now self administered by people using ear syringing kits bought online or over the counter. They typically contain a bulb or flared type plastic syringe and is designed to squirt streams of water at different angles against the ear canal wall.

The idea behind syringing 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 syringing

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

The wax can not be fully impacted and blocking the ear;
The home syringing kits are also relatively inexpensive.
Saves the need to avoid other wax removal methods.
Some people can find it therapeutic.

Limitations of syringing

Cannot be performed on people with perforations, grommets, mastoid cavity, cleft palate, foreign objects inside the ear canal
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 any 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 e.g. 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.

Syringing

Benefits of syringing

Limitations of syringing

Other complications include:

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