Patient Information

• Never insert anything into your ears, for example matchsticks,
hairpins, paperclips, cotton buds which can do serious damage.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises or music
• Cover your ears if you are working in a noisy or dusty
environment
• Use an ear wax softener (Olive Oil is recommended) when ear
wax has built up and follow instructions in this leaflet
• Use ear wax softener once a week after wax has cleared to help
prevent further build up of wax
• If you have concerns about ear wax, see your GP for an ear
assessment

You will be asked a series of questions regarding your ears and any
problems you may have had in the past. These questions will include
the following:
• Have you ever had a problem with ear irrigation?
• Have you ever suffered a perforated eardrum?
• Have you ever had discharge from your ears?
• Have you suffered from earache?
• Have you had or do you have a cleft palate?
• Have you ever had ear surgery?
• Are you diabetic?
• Do you have any cardiac (heart) problems?
• Do you have hearing aids?
• Are you attending Audiology?
The nurse will examine your ears for impacted wax, any sign of
infection or abnormality.
You may be advised to use ear drops for a period of 1 to 2 weeks.
You will be asked to sign a consent form prior to irrigation and the
risks will be explained to you.

• A machine is used to direct water into your ear.
• This procedure usually results in any wax being removed. The
wax is collected in a small container.
• Your nurse will explain this process to you during initial
consultation

• Permanent loss of hearing
• Infection
• Perforation of eardrum
• Damage to structure within the ear
• Pain
• Vertigo
• Worsening of pre-existing tinnitus (noises in your ear that come
from an internal source)
• Sometimes light bleeding may occur, but it usually stops on its
own
• Nausea and vomiting