Ear irrigation refers to the process of flushing your ears with a liquid to clean and remove foreign particles. Whether it is discharge that needs to be removed, hardened ear wax that needs softening or a small object that needs to be dislodged, irrigation is the way to go. It is wise to have a nurse or other qualified person irrigate your ears to avoid making the problem worse or causing damage to your eardrum.
Step 1
Wash your hands thoroughly before you begin.
Step 2
Instruct the patient to sit with her head tilted over to the side, with her bad ear pointing down. Have her hold a small bowl or basin under her ear.
Step 3
Fill the bulb with warm water. Hold the outer ear and pull it back to open the ear canal.
Step 4
Squeeze the bulb to apply a steady stream of solution against the top of the auditory canal. Use just enough force to remove what is inside the ear.
Step 5
Place a cotton ball in the opening of the ear and leave the patient on her side to completely drain the ear canal when you are finished.
Things You'll Need
- Irrigating solution
- Irrigation bulb
- Basin or bowl
- Cotton ball
