Why we no longer routinely syringe ears.
Ear syringing is seldom performed by NHS GP’s or nurses anymore. Instead, ear syringing is usually self-administered by people using ear syringing kits available to buy over the counter from pharmacies or over the internet. These ear syringing kits contain either a bulb-typed or flared-typed plastic ear syringe and are designed to squirt streams of water at different angles against the ear canal wall to avoid causing trauma to the eardrum. The idea behind these kits is for the water to get pumped ‘in behind’ the ear wax in order to flush it out of the ear. The ear wax must be prepared prior to ear syringing by softening it with ear drops such as olive or almond oil for several days - to 3 weeks (sometimes longer) beforehand. It is not uncommon during this period for the ear drops to cause the ear wax to expand and further increase the ear blockage and exacerbate any other associated symptoms.
SAFE PRACTICE
If you know you have an ear wax problem causing deafness and that your ear is otherwise healthy you can start the ear drop treatment for yourself.
If your hearing is impaired and you don't know why, you should initially see a practice nurse. If we find it is wax causing it, we will advise the above 3-6 week treatment regime.
BUT I NORMALLY GET MY EARS SYRINGED...
If you have been having your ear syringed regularly, you may be disappointed by this new policy however self syringing has been proven to be safe.
We occasionally have to undertake ear irrigation for medical reasons. This will be decided by our clinical staff, who will ensure that the risks are explained.
If you have been asked by the audiology clinic to have your ears checked before an appointment, we will still offer this service.
PREVENTION
Ear wax has a protective function and normally moves out automatically from inside the ear canal to the outside without the need to remove it yourself.
If you have a build up of wax repeatedly, you can keep it free by putting olive oil in twice a week. Alternative softeners for treatment or prevention includes sodium bicarbonate 5% ear drops and these can be obtained cheaply from your pharmacist.
CAUTION
If you have, or suspect you have any kind of ear problem other than wax you should NOT put anything into your ear except after medical advice.
Before you self syringe:-
Place 2-3 drops of ordinary olive oil down the ear 2 or 3 times a day for 3-6 weeks. If possible, lay on your side for 20 minutes to allow it to soak into the wax.
Do not place cotton wool in the ear as it only soaks up the oil
The olive oil softens the wax which will run out of its own accord
You may not necessarily see wax come out as it usually comes out unnoticed
If after 6 weeks, you are still have hearing impairment, make an appointment with our nurse to decide next steps
Duncan and Todd Ophthlamic Opticians have a private service for ear wax removal.
Telephone Stonehaven 01569 762765.
or Forfar 01397 461378