Ear washing is a way to clean the ear from wax and other accumulated substances inside the ear, and in this article we will learn about the importance of resorting to this method, and the potential damage as a result of its use.

Reasons for washing the ear

The ear canal and the eardrum are very sensitive places, so the specialist may resort to a means of ear washing in these cases:

• When earwax accumulates, this may affect the performance of the functions of the ear canal and eardrum and on hearing, and the emergence of some symptoms such as pain, itching and persistent coughing, so washing the ear with wax helps reduce the damage caused by earwax.
• Getting rid of foreign objects that enter the ear, such as food or insects. In this case, washing the ear helps prevent these objects from entering the ear deeply, and reduce damage to the sensitive ear canal.

Ear wash at the doctor

The doctor examines the ear with the endoscope before washing, to make sure that the symptoms that the patient feels are as a result of the accumulation of earwax, or as a result of entering a foreign body in the ear, and are not related to a serious health problem, after which the doctor uses a medical syringe provided with water only, or with water and saline solution, and enters it In the ear to push the excess wax out of the ear.

Ear washing at home

Before performing this step at home, you should consult a doctor to avoid any serious complications, and this is done by purchasing a drop to use baby oil or a type of medicine that helps soften the wax, and this drop is used two to three times within a few days, and after Softening the wax A medical syringe with water or water and salt is used to push the wax out of the ear. The water must be room temperature or slightly warmer.

Ear washing for children

A doctor should be consulted when the child feels severe pain and blockage in the ear, itching and impact on hearing. In this case, the doctor may resort to the following means to remove the wax:

• Pull the wax out with some tools designed for this.
• Putting ear drops to soften the wax at home or in the doctor’s office, then using warm water to push the wax out.
• Wax or body removal in the operating room under general anaesthesia.

Ear washing side effects

This method should not be used if the eardrum has ruptured, ear tubes are used, an infection in the ear canal, or any disease that affects the health of the immune system. Here are some of the potential harms from this option:

1. Ear infection

Ear infection is one of the most prominent damages caused by washing, such as otitis externa and otitis media, which may cause some people to feel severe pain and dizziness after washing the ear.

2. ruptured eardrum

Sometimes washing can increase the buildup of wax and may cause fluid to trap in the ear canal, putting pressure on the eardrum and making it more likely to rupture.

3. Other complications

In some rare cases, temporary or permanent deafness may occur, and other complications may occur, such as dizziness that occurs as a result of using very cold or very hot water, and hot water may burn the eardrum.

After recognizing the importance of ear washing, the doctor resorts to this method to get rid of excess wax or any foreign body inside the ear, to prevent any serious complications that harm the health of the ear.