Ear Wax and Ear Drops
Earwax (cerumen) is produced inside your ears to keep them clean and free of germs. It usually passes out of the ears harmlessly, but sometimes too much can build up and block the ears. A build-up of wax can result in discomfort and hearing loss.
Historically an ear syringe would have been used to remove a build- up of wax however,
Recent evidence suggests that Ear Syringing may not be as safe as once thought. Following the procedure an increased number of patients are experiencing inflamed and infected ear canals.
The use of ear drops has been proven tobreak upexcessive wax and prevent a further build- up of wax.
Ear drops are inexpensive and range from olive oil to over the counter branded products.
The ear drops, olive oiland pipets(which aid insertion)are all widely available from a pharmacy or large supermarket but unfortunately we are unable to provide these on prescription.
CAUTION some oils contain nuts and should be avoided if you or a member of your family suffers from nut allergy.
Insertion of Ear Drops
Lie down on your side with the affected ear uppermost.
Pull the ear up and away from the head to straighten the ear canal (if possible ask a friend or relative to do this for you).
Drop 2 or 3 drops of oil (at room temperature) into the ear canal and massage the tragus (b) just in front of the ear and pull the pinna (a) backwards and upwards.
This enables the oil to run down the ear canal.
- Pinna
- Tragus
Stay lying down for 5 minutes and then wipe away any excess oil.
Do not leave cotton wool at the entrance to the ear
Repeat the procedure with the opposite ear if necessary.
Continue twice daily for at least 2 weeks for best results.
The hard wax is softened and broken up by the oil. Flakes or crusts of wax will then fall out bit by bit.
Only on rare occasions should ear syringing be necessary, however If after 2 weeks your ears are still blocked with ear wax, then please seek advice from you G.P Surgery or Community Nursing Team.
Prevention
If you have continued problems with excessive wax it may be helpfulto use 1-2 drops of olive oil each week to reduce this occurring.
REMEMBEREar wax protects the ear; poking will only push wax deeper in the canal and cause problems; the ear is usually self-cleaning and does not need poking with flannels, cotton buds or direct streams from the shower head!
Further reading and useful websites
NHS Choices
earwax/Pages/Introduction.aspx
The Community Nursing Team
Can be contacted on:
01493 809977
Patient Liaison Team
If you wish to
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Please contact:
The Patient Liaison Manager
Beccles House
1 Common Lane North
Beccles
Suffolk
NR34 9BN
Telephone: 015021 718 666
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Ear Care
Patient Information leaflet
Produced by East Coast Community Healthcare
Community Nursing Team,
Issued: March 2016