Ear Lavage (Ear Irrigation)
An Ear lavage (also called ear irrigation) is a medical procedure used to remove earwax (cerumen) or other debris from the ear canal. The process involves flushing the ear with a warm water solution to loosen and wash out the buildup. The primary goal of ear lavage is to safely clear the ear canal of excessive wax that may be causing discomfort, partial hearing loss, or infections.
How it works:
- Softening the wax: Before irrigation, the earwax may be softened using ear drops, which can be purchased over the counter. These drops might contain substances like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
- Flushing the ear: After softening the wax, a healthcare provider uses a syringe to gently introduce warm water into the ear canal to flush out the wax.
- Draining: After irrigation, any remaining fluid or debris is drained from the ear, and the area may be dried with a clean cloth.