Ear Syringing and Irrigation in Point Cook
Too much earwax can cause blocked ears, muffled hearing and discomfort. Ear irrigation, sometimes called ear syringing, is offered at the clinic to flush the wax out with warm water.
Why wax builds up
Earwax is normal. It protects and cleans the ear canal, and for most people it works its way out on its own. It can collect and harden in people who wear hearing aids or earplugs, people with narrow or hairy ear canals, and older adults. Cotton buds are a common culprit, because they push wax deeper instead of removing it. Hairpins, keys and similar objects can also scratch the delicate skin of the canal or puncture the eardrum.
Signs of a wax blockage
- Fullness in the ear
- Muffled hearing
- Earache or itching
- Ringing in the ear
- Feeling slightly dizzy or off balance
Symptoms that need a prompt check
Not every blocked ear is wax. Sudden hearing loss, particularly in one ear, needs urgent medical assessment. Severe pain, discharge or bleeding from the ear, a fever, or dizziness that does not settle also need to be looked at by a doctor rather than treated as wax.
Softening the wax first
Softening drops, such as olive oil drops, used for a few days beforehand make wax easier to shift. A pharmacist can suggest suitable drops. Skip drops if you think you may have a hole in your eardrum or an ear infection. Ear candles are not a safe way to remove wax and can cause burns.
Who should not have irrigation
Irrigation is not suitable for everyone. Mention any of the following when you book, so the right option can be discussed:
- A perforated eardrum, now or in the past
- Grommets
- An ear infection at the moment
- Previous ear surgery
What ear syringing and irrigation involves
Before any water is used, the canal and eardrum are examined. You sit upright with a small basin under the ear while warm water is directed gently into the canal. It feels odd and a little noisy rather than painful, and it generally takes a few minutes. Say so straight away if it hurts or you feel dizzy.
Very hard wax may need a longer course of drops and a second attempt, rather than being forced out in one go. Where water flushing is ruled out, other removal methods or a referral can be considered.
Hearing aids and children
Wax builds up more readily behind a hearing aid, and a blocked canal can make the aid whistle or seem weaker. Clean the aids as your audiologist advises. If hearing is still muffled once the wax is gone, your GP can look for other causes and refer you for a hearing test. Children with blocked ears or hearing concerns should be seen by a GP rather than having wax removed at home.
Afterwards
Hearing often feels clearer right away, and the ear may feel sensitive or damp for a short time. New pain, discharge, fever or dizziness in the following days should be checked. To slow future build-up, wipe only the outer ear with a washcloth and leave the canal alone. People prone to wax sometimes use softening drops now and then. Keep water out of the ear for the rest of the day if it feels irritated, and dry the outer ear gently after showering or swimming.
Fees and bulk billing
Out-of-pocket fees apply to most consultations, and each practitioner sets their own fees. Bulk billing is available with all our doctors for Veterans’ Affairs patients, pensioners over 65, childhood and adult immunisations and GP care plans. See our fees page or call reception before you book.