Ear Irrigation in Devon

What is Ear Irrigation?

Ear irrigation is a method of removing earwax (cerumen) using a controlled stream of warm water directed into the ear canal. The water flows in at a slight angle, circulates behind the wax plug, and flushes it out. Modern electronic irrigators — which have largely replaced the old metal syringes — deliver water at a carefully regulated temperature and pressure, making the procedure significantly safer and more comfortable than the traditional technique.

NICE clinical guidance (NG241, 2023) recognises ear irrigation as one of two recommended professional methods for earwax removal, alongside microsuction. Both are appropriate first-line treatments — the choice between them depends on the patient's ear history, the type of wax present, and individual circumstances.

Irrigation works best when the wax is soft. That's why the NHS recommends using olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops for three to five days before the appointment. Softened wax responds to the water pressure and flushes out cleanly; hard, impacted wax may not move as easily, and in those cases microsuction is often more effective.

What Happens During the Appointment

Your appointment begins with an otoscopic examination. Your practitioner will look inside your ear canal using a small illuminated instrument to assess the wax — how much there is, how soft or hard it is, and whether the eardrum appears intact. This assessment determines whether irrigation is appropriate for you.

If irrigation is suitable, a small protective tip is placed at the entrance of your ear canal. Warm water — matched to body temperature to avoid triggering dizziness — is then delivered in a controlled stream. You'll feel a gentle pressure and hear the sound of water moving. A small basin is held beneath your ear to collect the water and wax as it drains out.

The procedure typically takes 20 to 30 minutes for both ears. After irrigation, your practitioner will examine your ears again to confirm the wax has been removed and check the condition of your eardrums. Most patients notice an immediate improvement in their hearing.

Occasionally, wax that hasn't been adequately softened beforehand doesn't flush out in a single session. If this happens, we'll advise you to continue using drops for a few more days and return for a follow-up. We don't charge for follow-up appointments when the initial procedure was incomplete.

Is Ear Irrigation Right for You?

Ear irrigation is suitable for most adults with soft wax and a healthy, intact eardrum. It's a good option if you've had successful irrigation in the past, if you prefer a water-based technique, or if you find the sound of microsuction's suction device uncomfortable.

However, irrigation is not appropriate in certain situations. If you have a perforated eardrum, water entering the middle ear can cause infection and significant pain. The same applies if you have grommets in place, a history of ear surgery, a mastoid cavity, or a known middle ear condition. In all of these cases, microsuction is the safer choice.

Irrigation is also less effective for very hard or deeply impacted wax. If you've been using drops for several days and the wax still feels solid, or if you've had impacted wax before, microsuction is likely to produce a better result. Your practitioner will assess this at the start of your appointment and recommend the most appropriate technique.

If you're unsure which method is right for you, our comparison guide covers the differences in detail, and you're always welcome to call us before booking.

Preparing for Ear Irrigation

Using ear drops for three to five days before your appointment is not just recommended — it's the single most important thing you can do to ensure the procedure works. Olive oil drops are the NHS's first-line recommendation. They're inexpensive, widely available, and effective at softening wax without irritating the canal. Sodium bicarbonate 5% drops are an alternative that breaks down the wax's chemical structure more actively.

To apply the drops: lie on your side with the affected ear facing upward, instil two to three drops, and remain still for five to ten minutes to allow the oil to penetrate. Then sit up and let the excess drain onto a tissue. Repeat three to four times daily. You may notice the wax becoming looser or your hearing temporarily worsening as the wax softens and swells slightly — this is normal.

Avoid using cotton buds to try to remove the softened wax yourself. Cotton buds push wax deeper into the canal and can compact it further, making professional removal harder. The drops will do their job — let the practitioner do the rest.

After Your Appointment

You can return to all normal activities immediately after ear irrigation. Some patients notice a slight sensation of water in the ear for a few hours — this is residual moisture in the canal and resolves on its own. Tilting your head to the side and gently pulling the outer ear can help any remaining water drain.

A small number of patients experience mild dizziness during or immediately after irrigation. This is caused by the water stimulating the vestibular system and typically passes within a few minutes. If you have a history of vertigo or balance problems, let your practitioner know before the procedure.

If you experience significant pain, discharge, or a sudden worsening of hearing after your appointment, contact us or your GP. These symptoms are uncommon but should be assessed promptly.

Pricing

Ear irrigation at Earwax Removal Devon costs £60 for a standard appointment, covering one or both ears, the initial ear health assessment, and aftercare advice. If the wax can't be fully removed in a single session and a follow-up is needed, we don't charge for the return visit.

Full pricing for all services — including home visits and emergency appointments — is on our pricing page.