Ear Syringing at Parkhealth Medical Centres in Cape Town

Ear syringing, also known as ear irrigation, is a quick and simple procedure which aims to remove hardened wax or foreign objects from the ear canal.

Wax in the ear is completely normal and its purpose is to lubricate the ear, protect it from debris, and prevent bacterial growth inside the ear. However, too much wax or hardened ear wax can cause issues such as ringing in the ears, temporary loss of hearing, and earache.

Additionally, excess build up of ear wax can cause damage to the eardrum which can result in permanent loss of hearing.

Ear Syringing Process

If you suspect a wax build up in one or both of your ears, or if a foreign object has found its way into your ear canal, you will need to let your doctor, or another healthcare inspect the ear. This is done using an otoscope which is a tool that shines a light into your ear and magnifies the image.

Should there be a build up of wax that needs removal, you will need to use wax softening eardrops for a period of at least three days before your doctor can perform an ear syringing procedure.

After three days of using wax softening eardrops, you can return to the doctor’s rooms for syringing. The doctor will use a special irrigation tool which is filled with a lukewarm saline solution to flush out the wax build up. This is not a painful procedure and does not require any local anesthetic. Furthermore, there is no downtime for recovery after the procedure and you can resume your normal daily activities straight away.

Ear Syringing Risks and Side Effects

Ear syringing is not advised if you have existing issues with your ears such as ear infections or perforated ear drums. This is why you should never try syringing your ear at home by yourself. Your doctor will advise you on alternative treatment options if they believe that ear syringing may cause further damage to your ear.

Although there are no serious or long-term side effects of ear syringing, some people may experience the following:

• Slight pain or discomfort which is temporary
• Temporary vertigo (dizziness)
• Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)

Contact our doctors in Cape Town for more information about our ear syringing services.

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