🦻 Ear Irrigation Patient Information Leaflet

🕵️‍♂️ When to Consider Ear Irrigation

🦻 Ear Wax (Cerumen) – What You Need to Know

🛡️ What is Ear Wax?

Ear wax is a natural substance produced in your ear canal. It:

• Protects against dust, dirt, and foreign bodies 🧼
• Helps clean the ear by moving dead skin and debris outward 🌀
• Fights infection and keeps ears healthy 🧫

❓ Do Ears Need Cleaning?

Nope! 👎 Your ears are self-cleaning.

• Avoid cotton buds 🚫🧴 – they push wax deeper and may cause damage or infection.

🧴 Self-Care for Blocked Ears

If you suspect wax is affecting your hearing (but no pain or discharge), try olive oil drops:

1. Lie on your side 🛌 (affected ear facing up)
2. Gently pull your ear back and up 👂⬆️
3. Drop 1–2 drops of room-temperature oil into the canal 🫒
4. Massage in front of the ear 💆
5. Stay on your side for 10 minutes ⏱️
6. Sit up slowly and use a tissue to catch any oil 🧻

🕒 Repeat morning and night for 2 weeks.

💨 Olive Oil Spray Option

If lying down is difficult, use an olive oil spray instead. Available at pharmacies and supermarkets 🛒.

⚠️ Avoid:

• Cotton wool in the ear canal ❌
• Nut oils if you have a nut allergy 🥜🚫
• Oil drops if you have a perforated ear drum or ear surgery history – contact your GP instead 👨‍⚕️

🧼 Other Ear Drops

Drops with sodium bicarbonate or hydrogen peroxide can help break down wax, but may cause dryness or irritation. Always follow package instructions 📦✅.

🩺 When to Contact Your GP

Only contact your GP if:

• Self-care didn’t work after 2 weeks ⏳
• You’ve been advised not to use oil due to ear conditions ⚠️

If ear syringing is needed, use oil drops for at least 10 days before the procedure 💧🩹.