Things to know about flushing the ear

Earwax blockages can happen to people of all ages. This occurs when the earwax that is produced to protect and lubricate the ears can't drain properly and builds up in the ear canal, forming a plug that hardens over time and causes symptoms like pain and hearing loss. Ear irrigation is often effective in resolving the issue.

Ear irrigation can not only remove earwax plugs, but also other foreign objects that have entered the ear canal. For example, in kids, beads, stones, small toys, or paper balls can become lodged in their ears, while in adults, pieces of cotton buds, sand, or even insects that have accidentally gotten in the ear canal can cause blockages.

Although ear irrigation is usually a simple and painless procedure, it's important to handle the procedure with care, as the ears are delicate. There are risks associated with ear irrigation too. It's critical to avoid water flowing back into the ear as it may lead to infections or inflammation. For instance, if water gets stuck behind earwax, it may result in an infection in the outer ear.

It's also vital to make sure the water is applied with the right pressure to loosen the earwax, but not too strong that it could harm the eardrum. If the water isn't warmed to body temperature before use, it may cause complications such as dizziness, bradycardia, or nausea.

Avoid irrigating the ears if you have an ear infection or a punctured eardrum. If you're uncertain, speak with your doctor before taking any further action.

The first step is to undergo an otoscopy (ear examination). This exam is carried out by an ENT doctor as an outpatient procedure to determine if there is earwax or other substances obstructing the ear canal. To do this, the doctor typically utilizes an otoscope. This device is equipped with a light that illuminates the external ear canal and eardrum, a magnifying lens, and a mirror that is inserted into the eardrum to provide a clear view. In some cases, an optical microscope may be used to enhance the visual field. This step is crucial as it helps to determine the extent of the blockage and select the appropriate method for removal.

Once the presence of an earwax plug is confirmed, the ENT doctor removes it by flushing the ear with sterile water or a saline solution. If the plug is hard, the doctor may use softening drops to make it easier to remove. The flushing is then performed with lukewarm water to minimize any damage to the sensitive ear.

For irrigation, the doctor uses a syringe without a needle. After the procedure, the patient tilts their head slightly to allow for easier drainage of the earwax. Depending on the size of the plug or foreign object in the ear canal (such as insects or small stones), the doctor may also use Hartmann forceps, an ear shower, or curettage. Curettage involves using a bent rod-like tool called a curette to mechanically remove the plug. Suction is also a common method where a tube is attached to a suction device to effortlessly remove the earwax.

The irrigation of the ear canal may need to be done several times until the earwax plug is loosened and flows out. Regardless, the procedure is brief, typically taking only 15-20 minutes.

Since the ear is a delicate organ, flusing it can be risky if not done by a specialist, it's not recommended to do it yourself. But, in case of a partial blockage, you can do it at home with the aid of some special gear.

You can find various ear irrigation sets in the market. They come with a syringe without a needle or small tubes that can be used to carefully squirt in some sterile water or saline solution into the ear canal, after warming it up to body temperature. There's also cerumen dissolving sprays available that can help dissolve the earwax and make it easier to remove.

Aside from traditional methods, natural or alternative medicine techniques can also be utilized to remove earwax. This could include trying to soften the cerumen with a saline solution or warm olive oil/sweet almond oil. Jaw movement and chewing can assist in dislodging old cerumen from the ear canal. As the cerumen moves closer to the ear opening, it dries up and can easily be cleared using a soft cloth or cotton ball.