From the Guidelines
Ear lavage is a recommended method for removing earwax buildup, but it should be performed with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional to minimize risks and maximize benefits. The benefits of ear lavage include quick relief from symptoms like hearing loss, ear fullness, and discomfort caused by impacted cerumen, as supported by a study published in 2008 1. The procedure is relatively simple, using body-temperature water or saline solution gently irrigated into the ear canal to flush out the wax. However, ear lavage carries several risks that should be considered, including discomfort, dizziness, or nausea during the procedure, as well as more serious risks like ear canal trauma, eardrum perforation, and infection if contaminated water is used 1.
Benefits of Ear Lavage
- Quick relief from symptoms like hearing loss, ear fullness, and discomfort caused by impacted cerumen
- Relatively simple procedure when performed by healthcare professionals
- Can be more effective than over-the-counter drops alone for significant blockages
- Supported by clinical practice guidelines, such as the one published in 2017 1
Risks of Ear Lavage
- Discomfort, dizziness, or nausea during the procedure
- Ear canal trauma, eardrum perforation, and infection if contaminated water is used
- Potential worsening of symptoms if water becomes trapped behind wax
- Contraindicated for people with certain conditions, including eardrum perforation, ear tubes, ear infections, or history of ear surgery
Recommendations for Ear Lavage
- Start with over-the-counter wax softening drops (like carbamide peroxide or mineral oil) for 1-2 days before attempting gentle irrigation to improve results
- Perform ear lavage under the guidance of a healthcare professional to minimize risks
- Avoid using cotton-tipped swabs to remove cerumen, as they can push the wax further into the ear canal and cause damage, as suggested by a study published in 2017 1
- Consider regular ear care, such as irrigating the ears or using topical preparations, to reduce the risk of developing an impaction, as suggested by a study published in 2008 1
From the Research
Benefits of Ear Lavage
- Ear lavage can be an effective method for removing earwax, with studies showing that it can be more effective than no treatment or other methods such as self-irrigation 2
- The use of ear drops or cerumenolytics in combination with lavage can increase the effectiveness of the procedure 3
- Ear lavage can be used to remove impacted cerumen, which can cause conduction hearing loss in the elderly 4
Risks of Ear Lavage
- Ear lavage can cause damage to the external auditory meatus, perforation of the tympanic membrane, and/or otitis media if not performed properly 4
- The use of ear lavage can also cause adverse effects such as discomfort, irritation, or pain, although these are typically mild and temporary 3
- There is a risk of maceration, contact reactions, otitis media, ear canal avulsion, vestibular syndrome, Horner's syndrome, facial nerve paralysis, and deafness if ear cleaning is not performed carefully 5
- The use of certain cleaning fluids or cerumenolytics can also cause adverse effects, and care should be exercised in selecting these products, especially if the tympanic membranes are ruptured 5
Considerations for Ear Lavage
- The effectiveness of ear lavage can depend on the method used, with some studies suggesting that wet irrigation is more effective than dry irrigation 2
- The use of ear lavage should be considered in conjunction with other methods, such as the use of ear drops or cerumenolytics, to increase its effectiveness 3
- Ear lavage should only be performed by a healthcare professional, as improper technique can cause damage to the ear or other adverse effects 4, 5