HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

How To Flush Old Wax From The Ear Canal?

default
Posted on Tue, 22 Apr 2014
Question: What is the best method of flushing old wax from the ear canal? Patient is a 64yo healthy fem who has never been to an ent for ear wax problems. While visiting Aruba sea water entered her ear canal occluding it for several days. After arriving home her hearing did not return to normal and is presently muffled. Using an otoscope a large amount of old wax was discovered. She was treated at home with Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) & isopropyl alcohol (97%) & docusate sodium in varying concentrations and combinations with mixed results. Patient was able to retrieve a fairly large amount of wax using Q-tips after using the above therapy but is still having problems with impaired hearing and wax. The question I need answered is how often can we repeat this therapy and how much time should we wait between therapies? Presently we are waiting three days between treatments. Also, should her ear be irrigated with warm saline or water after this therapy?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Please, seek medical consultation and care Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about this ear wax and the uffled ear sensation. It is correct that this could have been caused by the excessive ear wax that you discovered. I am happy that you discovered this but a little concerned why you woulld take upon yourself the chances and risk to get it flushed out. It would be best done by a medical personnel or an ENT specialist who has been doing many and can be of great help without making her to stand the high risk of complications. My advice is that she should be evaluated and managed in an ENT service for best results and safety. Back to your concerns, there is no waiting required between treatment periods. The best way to get excessive wax out o the ear is by flushing with lukewarm water. If it is very thick, we may want to apply ear drops that can soften ear wax like cerulyse. What matters is being able to dislodge it. Unless otherwise, ear irrigation should be done completely on a single occasion. The best and safest way to get cerumen out of the air is by flushing. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and feel free to ask for clarifications and more information if need be. Thanks. Dr. DItah, MD.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6323 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask an Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
How To Flush Old Wax From The Ear Canal?

Brief Answer: Please, seek medical consultation and care Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about this ear wax and the uffled ear sensation. It is correct that this could have been caused by the excessive ear wax that you discovered. I am happy that you discovered this but a little concerned why you woulld take upon yourself the chances and risk to get it flushed out. It would be best done by a medical personnel or an ENT specialist who has been doing many and can be of great help without making her to stand the high risk of complications. My advice is that she should be evaluated and managed in an ENT service for best results and safety. Back to your concerns, there is no waiting required between treatment periods. The best way to get excessive wax out o the ear is by flushing with lukewarm water. If it is very thick, we may want to apply ear drops that can soften ear wax like cerulyse. What matters is being able to dislodge it. Unless otherwise, ear irrigation should be done completely on a single occasion. The best and safest way to get cerumen out of the air is by flushing. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and feel free to ask for clarifications and more information if need be. Thanks. Dr. DItah, MD.