Earwax Removal

Ear irrigation is a procedure to wash dirt and wax out of your ear canal. It's also called lavage. You may need this if you're having trouble hearing because of wax in your ear. You may also have it done as part of the treatment for an ear infection.

Getting wax and dirt out of your ear can help ear drops work better.

Procedure

What happens before the procedure?

You'll talk with your provider about the procedure and plan.
You may be given ear drops to put in your ear 15-20 minutes before the procedure. This helps loosen the wax.

What happens during the procedure?

A syringe will be filled with water or a saline solution. Saline is made of salt and water.
The syringe will be gently put into your ear.
The fluid will be used to wash out wax and other debris.

The procedure may vary among providers and hospitals.

Risks

Your health care provider will talk with you about risks. These may include:

Infection.
Pain.
Loss of hearing.
Fluid and debris being pushed into your middle ear. This can happen if there are holes in your eardrum.
The procedure not working.
Trauma to your ear.
Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.