How to remove ear wax without syringing?
If your ears are blocked with ear wax and you want safe, effective treatment, you must seek the advice of a trained hearcare professional who is trained in ear wax removal. Previous blogs have covered who can safely treat blocked ears and what can go wrong with DIY methods of wax removal. Sometimes, following the use of ear drops, the wax may come out naturally. In most cases however, if you feel that your ears are blocked and your hearing is affected, then safe, professional advice is recommended.
Can you use a syringe to remove ear wax?
There are different types of ear syringes available. From soft rubber bulb syringes to more clinical syringes. They all attempt to remove ear wax using water. The water is forced into the ear canal, and if the wax is not impacted, the flow of water attempts to flush out small bits of problematic earwax. The problem with all these methods, is that if the ear wax is compacted and hard, then using water often has little effect. In some cases, it can make the problem worse by pushing earwax closer to the eardrum.
How to remove ear wax with a syringe
Earwax needs to be softened prior to removal by any water method. Typically, this is done for at least 7 days using either clinical grade olive oil or ear drops. Due to our balance mechanism being located within the inner ear system, the temperature of the water used to flush the ear is critical. Too cold or too warm and this can induce dizziness. The recommendations are to use body temperature in the ear syringing device. The different types of ear syringes all have different instructions for safe and effective use. They involve flushing the ear canal with the warm water in the hope that this will dislodge and remove any problematic earwax.
How to use a bulb syringe to remove ear wax
Recommendations for the use of bulb syringes include the use of ear drops or olive oil for a minimum period, followed by the safe use of the bulb device using water at the appropriate temperature.
Do not use a bulb syringe in any of the following circumstances:
- You have pain in the ear
- You have a history of ear drum perforation
- You have a current or have had a recent ear infection
- You know you have an existing hearing loss
- You have had previous ear surgery