Goals

To remove cerumen that is obstructing the ear canal or to remove a foreign object lodged in the ear canal.

Background

Aural canal irrigation is the process of flushing the external ear canal with water or sterile saline. It is used to treat patients who complain of a foreign body or cerumen impaction. It is most commonly performed on those who experience a wax buildup that has impaired hearing and irritated the outer ear canal.

Alternative treatment options include:

• Natural oils such as olive oil, baby oil, and mineral oil. A few drops placed in the affected ear canal will soften the wax to allow it to drain easily.
• Salt water allowed to sit in the ear canal for three to five minutes before placing the ear face down to allow the saline solution to drain.
• Hydrogen peroxide can be used to soften ear wax, but some patients may find this irritating to the ear canal.
• Ear candling is not a recommended treatment as it is not effective and can result in injury. It is the use of a hollow lit candle placed in the ear canal whereby the heat from the flame creates a vacuum seal causing the earwax to adhere to the candle.

Contraindications

• Obstruction of the ear canal by a vegetable foreign body (i.e., pea, bean, or corn kernel). These vegetables absorb moisture, causing them to swell.
• Presence of a cold, fever, or known ear infection.
• Unknown injury or perforation of the tympanic membrane.