Ear irrigation gently removes the build up of wax with warm water. The skin within the ear canal is very thin and sensitive. Sometimes the wax can be stubborn to remove safely without damaging this skin and it may be necessary to use further treatments such as olive oil (for ears) to soften the wax before further irrigation can complete the total procedure.

Warm water irrigation is a safe method of removing the build-up of wax. The warm water is gently pulsed into the ear canal, which softens the wax and gets behind compacted wax, gently pushing the wax out. The skin within the ear canal is very thin and sensitive. Sometimes the wax can be stubborn to remove safely without damaging this skin and it may be necessary to use further treatments such as olive oil to soften the wax before further irrigation can complete the total procedure. 

Prior to having your ears irrigated:

Prior to having your ears irrigated you will have been asked to instil drops of olive oil (for ears) or sodium bicarbonate (for ears) twice a day for 7-10 days. This will soften the wax in preparation for the procedure. Please ensure you read the advice on the ear drops to ensure you are using correctly. Do NOT put cotton wool in the ear after the drops as this can absorb the drops.