The aim of this ear wax irrigation at home review is to provide information about all aspects of ear wax removal using an irrigation technique, including the ease of use, cost, safety and effectiveness, in comparison to other methods for ear wax removal. The ear naturally secretes ear wax to protect, lubricate and keep bacteria and debris out. Under ideal circumstances, the body keeps the amount of ear wax in the ears under control. Doctors usually advice patients not to touch ear wax and to just leave it be. However, too much ear wax or hardened ear wax can cause a blockage in the ear, resulting in earaches, itching, ringing in the ears, or partial hearing loss.
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Ear irrigation is a simple routine procedure used to remove excess ear wax or foreign objects from the ear. It has been widely used in doctor offices, medical clinics, and hospitals. Moreover, there have been many specially designed syringes and similar products on the market which are a practical and inexpensive alternative to quickly clean your ears in the comfort of your own home.
How Easy Is It To Perform Ear Wash Irrigation At Home?
Ear wax irrigation can be done by your doctor or you can do it yourself at home, using an irrigation kit. Doctors will perform the irrigation in their office using a syringe-like tool to insert water or some kind of saline mixture into the ear to wash out the wax. You may feel slight discomfort from the water in your ear or from holding your ear in place. For at-home irrigation, you will need to purchase the necessary equipment to safely clean your ears. The most common method is to first use baby oil, mineral oil, or specialized medication into the ear over a period of a few days to soften the wax. Once the wax is softened, use a water irrigation method (room temperature or slightly warmer) to flush out the wax. You can also add a little peroxide or white vinegar to the water. White vinegar is considered to be more natural for your ear and the safest. The only downside is that you will smell like a salad until you take a shower.
You are in control of the syringe force and you can use it whenever you want. The tip of the nozzle can’t reach your eardrums – it usually only goes half-way to your eardrum when it is fully inserted in your ear canal. You should tilt your head towards the shoulder area and lean over a sink or some type of catch basin and just keep spraying the water into the ear, until the wax begins to come out. The force of the water loosens up the wax and then it falls out with the water. It is definitely a little messy but it works.
How Safe Is The Elephant Ear Washer Wax Removal System?
Ear irrigation is a relatively safe procedure, compared to others such as the ear candling or vacuum technique, for example. It is usually painless and very gentle on the ear drum. Syringes and other devices usually have a special tip design which prevents over-insertion. One of the things to be considered is the pressure of the water. Doctors say high-pressure water streams have the potential to damage the eardrum. Moreover, water temperature is important as well. It’s important to use warm water otherwise you may get dizzy and fall.
Some people might even develop an inflammation in the ear canal after undergoing ear irrigation. This causes itching and discomfort but can be easily treated with ear drops, however, this happens very rarely. So, because of the slight chances of complications that may result from ear irrigation, it may not be advised if you have certain ear problems.
If you have any of the following ear problems, doctors advise against using the ear wax irrigation removal method:
- Have had complications following this procedure in the past;
- Have had ear surgery;
- Have tubes in your ears;
- Have or have had an ear infection in the previous six weeks;
- Have or have had a perforated eardrum;
- Have any disorders that weaken your immune system.
Affordability
The self use ear irrigation systems can be found for around $50 on the market. The old-fashioned big ear syringes have largely been replaced by more modern irrigation kits. There are various Ear Washer Bottle Systems for around $30 to $50, depending on how many disposable tips or other additions the package includes. There are even some more sophisticated ear irrigation systems that provide effective pulsed irrigation. They are priced at over $100.
These are definitely a cost effective alternative to the repeated expense of doctor’s visits, which will surely cost you a bit more if you are not covered by insurance.
How Effective Is The Irrigation Method?
When it comes to the effectiveness of this procedure, it can be considered as one of the most effective and potent alternatives. There are many satisfied customers that have great experience with using ear irrigation at home as well as at a hospital. Water effectively dislodges the ear wax and simply washes it out of the ear canal, creating a feeling of relief. Irrigating the ear with water will usually clear plugs of ear wax. Nonetheless, it often only works if the plug of ear wax has been softened. Therefore, it is best to use ear drops in order to soften wax for 3-5 days before you have ear irrigation.
Final Ear Wax Irrigation At Home Review
To summarize, ear irrigation seems is one of the safest procedures you can choose to remove your ear wax. The gentle warm water usually easily washes all the ear wax out of the ear canal without damaging your eardrum. You should only make sure you have the right water pressure and temperature, and take any associated risks or side effects into consideration. So, unless you are not advised to undergo ear irrigation due to a perforated ear drum or other health problems, this seems like the perfect solution to getting rid of the annoying ear wax.