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Ear Irrigation in Broadway

Ear Irrigation

Ear Irrigation Procedure in Broadway

Ear irrigation, also known as "ear washing," is an effective method for removing earwax buildup and keeping ears clean. During irrigation, a syringe is used to inject liquid into the ears to help remove earwax. In medical terms, earwax is called cerumen. Earwax accumulation can result in symptoms including hearing loss, lightheadedness, and even ear discomfort. 

It entails inserting a liquid solution, typically saline or water, under-regulated pressure into the ear canal. Usually, an electrical irrigation tool made especially for this purpose, or a syringe, is used to carry out the process. To facilitate simple access to the ear canal, the patient is typically seated with their head tilted to the side throughout the procedure. The medical professional gently injects the fluid into the ear to dissolve and release the buildup of materials. If earwax has previously clogged the ear canal, this helps in cleaning it and restoring hearing. 

Although home irrigation kits are also available, Ear Irrigation is typically performed in a clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional. Ear irrigation in Broadway is usually simple and fast, requiring only a few minutes per ear. Proper technique and appropriate tools are essential for ensuring the success and comfort of the patient during the procedure, which the experts at Manipal Hopsitals, Broadway, understand and execute to enhance overall patient outcomes.

FAQ's

The ear is extremely sensitive, particularly the eardrum and canal. Over time, earwax accumulation may harm these structures. This may impact your hearing. Ear Irrigation is a safe approach to reducing the chance of ear injury by removing extra earwax.

Sometimes, small pieces of food, bugs, or small rocks or grit can end up in the ear. In such cases, the goal is to safely and promptly remove these materials before they damage the delicate ear canal or move deeper into the ear. Ear Irrigation is also an effective method for removing foreign objects from the ear. Your doctor can do wax irrigation on you, or you can use an irrigation kit with a bulb syringe at home.
 

Additional agents that can be used include carbamyl peroxide solutions, 1% sodium docusate solutions, and mineral oil. It is advised to heat the irrigation water and solutions to nearly body temperature before starting the procedure. The individual may feel discomfort from either warm or cold solutions in their ears and may also experience dizziness or nausea. 
 

Some ways to eliminate excessive ear wax buildup include:

  • Ear drops: Prescription or over-the-counter drops are used to soften wax.
  • Ear Irrigation: Ear Irrigation is the professional process of using saline or water to thoroughly clean the ear.
  • Manual removal: A medical professional uses specialised instruments to carry out this procedure.
  • Ear syringing: Carefully rinse the ear using a bulb syringe.
  • Micro suction: A medical practitioner can safely remove ear wax by utilising a tiny, delicate hoover with micro-suction.
  • Endoscopic removal: Using a small camera to view and eliminate ear wax buildup, known as endoscopic removal, is a secure and effective approach.

Before starting the procedure, we must know the patient's underlying conditions and prerequisites, as they can contraindicate this procedure. These are: 

  • Tinnitus 
  • History of irrigation-related issues
  • There is currently a rupture in the eardrum
  • There is a risk of bleeding complications due to uncontrolled, excessive bleeding disorders
  • A history of previous ear surgeries
  • Mucus has been seeping out of the ear for the past year
  • A middle ear infection that happened six weeks ago
  • A repaired cleft palate
  • Symptoms of acute otitis externa include pain in the pinna and swelling of the ear canal
  • The existence of a foreign object in the ear
  • Surgical removal of the mastoid bone and accompanying cholesteatoma or retraction pocket
     

Individuals with haemophilia and thrombocytopenia are at risk for excessive bleeding during Ear Irrigation. Healthcare providers must carefully consider this‌ hazardous situation before proceeding with the procedure. Failure to consider this could lead to further complications. 
 

Several hazards can arise from irrigating your ears:

  • Dizziness: Particularly when the water temperature is significantly lower than your body
  • Injury to the eardrum: A rupture or tear that could harm the middle ear
  • External otitis: A potential infection of the outer ear

Certain medical disorders require extra caution:

  • Immunosuppressive diseases: HIV, diabetes, or a history of transplantation raise the risk of infection
  • Blood thinners: Increased chance of hematomas or bleeding
  • Unusual ear anatomy: Irrigation is made more difficult by scarring or narrowed ear canals. 

To protect your eardrum from injury, avoid using pressurised or jet irrigators for self-irrigation and leave it to qualified professionals.
 

For at-home irrigation, it is crucial to carefully consider the contents of ‌a kit in addition to factors like cost and user-friendliness. Some kits may include a syringe with a catheter-like tip that does not require a needle, while others may have a spray bottle with a longer tube and tip. Additionally, the kit may contain a towel and drops to soften the earwax. If you have not previously received treatment for excessive earwax, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before purchasing one of these kits. Your doctor will be able to examine your ear canal, check for any damage to the eardrum, and determine the presence of earwax buildup. They may also be able to perform Ear Irrigation in the office or provide instructions for at-home irrigation.