EAR IRRIGATION (SYRINGING) FOR WAX
Please read the information below and follow the guidance BEFORE making an appointment for ear syringing.
Information Sheet for Patients
Ear, nose and throat specialists are recommending patients follow a new treatment for removing earwax that causes deafness. This is because irrigation can quite often lead to ear damage such as infection or perforated eardrum. It is our intention, to provide the best care for our patients, to follow this recommendation.
Patients should have their ears checked first by the Nurse before using oil as the problem is not always wax. If it is indeed wax you may be advised to try the following treatments.
This new treatment works for most people. As per NHS Fife policy, put two (2) drops of olive oil (Earol) or Almond Oil (only if no allergies) into the ear two (2) times a day for 2 weeks. If this does not resolve the problem then put two (2) drops of Sodium Bicarbonate into the ear two (2) times a day for 2 weeks. If the problem is still not resolved, then put two (2) drop of Otex into the ear two (2) times a day for 2 weeks. These drops are all available to buy without prescription from a Pharmacy. Do not use cotton wool after applying the ear drops as it will soak back into the cotton wool. Do not apply ear drops if you have any pain while doing so – you should make an appointment with the Nurse for review.
These treatment will soften the wax so that it then runs out of the ear of its own accord. It does not harm the ear. Wax normally comes out of the ear within the ear canal and moves to the outside over a period of a few weeks. It you repeatedly have a build up of wax, you can keep it free by putting in olive oil twice a week.
You should then see the Nurse again for review. Irrigation may be considered if they feel the treatment has been unsuccessful, otherwise you may be referred to ENT.
Ear irrigation cannot be carried out if there is a history of perforations or damage to the tympanic membrane (eardrum) or a history of middle ear infection in the past 6 weeks.
Patients who require the procedure to be carried out more than twice a year will be referred to the Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Department at Victoria Hospital where ear care will be provided with a suction device. ENT have advised against irrigating ears more than twice yearly to prevent damage.
