EAR IRRIGATION

Definition
Ear irrigation is the process of flushing the external ear canal with sterile water or sterile saline. it is used to treat patients who complain of foreign body or cerumen (ear wax) impaction

 Ear irrigation entails rinsing the external

ear canal with saline solution. Irrigating the ear canal will remove excess earwax and cleanse the ear canal. Proper irrigation can leave the ears wax free and minimize risk of bacterial infection.

Indications
The purpose of ear irrigation is to

remove earwax that is obstructing the ear canal or to remove a foreign object lodged in the ear canal. Ear irrigation is most commonly performed on those who experience a wax buildup that has impaired hearing and irritated the outer ear canal.

 Ear irrigation is performed in the emergency department as a first-line treatment for a foreign object in the ear canal, because it is less

invasive than using an instrument. If the object is a live insect, oil is inserted into the ear to kill the insect; then, the ear canal is irrigated to remove the dead insect. Some foreign objects may be removed from the ear using irrigation alone, but most require a combination of both irrigation and the use of instruments by the physician.

Instruments for Ear Irrigation

Kidney basin Sterile gloves Otoscope Cotton swab

bore IV

500-cc syringe (200-

cc syringe for children

(intravenous) catheter (with the needle removed) disposable ear irrigation connector 100cc of fluid for an adult and 30cc of fluid for a child

Contraindication
Ear irrigation is contraindicated when: perforated eardrum the eardrum is ruptured, because the procedure may force bacteria through the perforation into the inner ear.

 patients with fever and ear pain, as

these symptoms may indicate an inner ear infection. If a foreign object is made of vegetable matter (e.g., a bean or pea), irrigation is contraindicated because the water will cause the object to swell and complicate extraction of the object.

Complications
Of ear irrigation are rare, but may include : trauma to the external ear canal, external ear infection, pain, nausea, or vertigo. Forceful irrigation with high pressure can rupture the eardrum and force bacteria into the inner ear.

Preparation:
Make sure that the wax inside the

ear is soft. Use an eyedropper to place two drops of baby oil in each ear for five days before ear irrigation. This will loosen up the wax and make it easier to flush out.

Procedure:
Make sure that the wax inside the ear is soft. Use an eyedropper to place two drops of baby oil in each ear for five days before ear irrigation. This will loosen up the wax and make it easier to flush out. 2. Fill a bulb syringe with the sterile saline solution. 3. Tilt your head to the side and pull back on your ear to comfortably insert the syringe. Never force the syringe into the outer ear canal. 4. Gently squeeze the bulb to release the saline solution into the outer ear canal. Remain in this position for 30 seconds.
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This allows the saline solution to further soften the earwax. 5. Cover the ear with a clean wash cloth and tilt your head to the other side so that the water drains out. 6. Repeat the process with the other ear. Perform an ear irrigation every other week as part of your personal hygiene routine. 7. Dry the ear thoroughly to avoid ear infection. Use a towel to dry the outside of the ears. Use a hairdryer set on low-cool to dry the inside of each ear canal.