THE GLENFIELD SURGERY
PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET RE: EAR SYRINGING

Ear syringing is not to be routinely recommended and it is far better if wax can be removed using olive oil without resorting to syringing. Studies have shown that a large proportion of patients will not require syringing if they use olive oil properly for at least two weeks

Your appointment with the district nurse is on:

…………………..……………………………………… at ………………… pm

Ear wax is a normal body secretion, which forms a protective coating of the skin in the ear canal. The amount of ear wax produced by individuals varies widely and factors which affect this include: age –  the ear becomes drier as you get older, occupation – dust/sawdust can enter the ear canal and lodge in the wax, hearing aids/ear plugs – can cause debris to build up in the ear canal. 
Plugs of wax formed in ears may cause a feeling of fullness and dulled hearing. This not a serious problem and wax only needs removing if it is causing loss of hearing, itching or discomfort. Cotton buds or similar items should not be used as they only make matters worse and often lead to impaction or infection

What to do if wax builds up
•	Lie down on your side with the affected ear uppermost
•	Pour 3 – 4 drops of olive oil which has been warmed to room temperature into your ear canal using a dropper which may be purchased from the chemist
•	Massage the front of the ear whilst pulling your earlobe backwards and upwards
•	Remain lying down for 5 minutes to allow the oil to run down into the ear canal then wipe away any excess oil when you stand up
•	Do not use cotton wool in your ears following insertion of olive oil as this will reduce the effectiveness of the treatment and may cause trauma and infection
**If this process clears the plug of wax, please cancel the above appointment**

Ear irrigation (syringing) may be necessary if olive oil does not work. There may be a waiting list for these appointments but we will endeavour to give you an appointment as soon as possible after the initial two weeks of using the olive oil
At the clinic – an assessment of the ear will be carried out and syringing will be performed if indicated
Patients presenting with any of the following will be asked to consult the doctor:
•	Obvious signs of infection or abnormal discharge
•	Severe pain, especially behind the ear
•	Current or previous perforation of the ear drum
•	Inaccessible foreign body in the ear
•	Minimal wax present with a clear view of the ear drum
•	Following any previous ear surgery
•	Children below 16 years of age

RISKS
Ear syringing is a painless procedure where warm water is gently sprayed into the ear to remove softened wax. If all the wax is not removed on your first visit, it may be necessary to make a further appointment
•	Some people can feel dizzy after syringing but this settles quickly
•	Some people may develop an inflammation of the ear canal which causes itching and discomfort but can be treated with ear drops
•	Ear syringing can cause serious damage to the ear drum
•	You will be given advice on how to care for your ears and so prevent the build up of wax in the future