Ear Irrigation

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Aug 10, 2005

Hello and welcome to the family of allnurses. Enjoy your stay and good luck!

Nurse Ratched, RN · Aug 10, 2005

Our clinic uses a disposable 60 cc luer-lock syringe with a reusable metal tip attachment as our most effective method. We've got a fancier "gun" looking thing that squirts and sucks the water up at the same time, but it's not near as efficient - pain to set up and messy, and it needs a special attachment to the sink faucet, so can only be used in certain offices. As you might imagine, it's rarely pulled out. No knowledge here of any problems with the old-fashioned method (TM rupture and the like.)

hcmanp, NP · Aug 10, 2005

Hi Everyone:
I'm new to this forum but certainly not new to nursing. I am however in a new position working in our purchasing department as the Clinical Products Analyst after 35+ years in Emergency Nursing. I interact with many different sites in our health system seeking to find standard products and the best products to do a job. My current search is for ear irrigation advice. I'd guess many of us have used the old stainless steel ear irrigation syringe. I've also used the syringe and IV catheter method with great success but there are liabilities with that. What I'd like to know is what you are using in your clinical settings, from offices to urgent cares and emergency departments. All direction and advice will be valuable. Thanks

We are in a private office. I prefer the syringe/butterfly luer lock combo. I cut the tubing to about 3/8 inch length. We have the metal device, but I don't like it as well. I know some offices use the old water-pic... I don't know if those are still available. We have the ear curettes, but I only use them to peel out something that's been dislodged and won't come all the way out.

Welcome to the site. You'll find lots in interesting conversations and information available here.

General E. Speaking, RN, RN · Aug 11, 2005

have heard of using a Water Pic but I am used to the big silver irrigation-syringe that looks like it belongs in The Smithsonian.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Aug 11, 2005

I am glad someone mentioned water pic...ahhhh awesome tool if you are careful! Once I was so waxed that I was in such pain and they used a water pic on me...HEAVEN! It hits that itch you can't scratch in your tubes too (oh now you know that one) and feels wonderful!

I have used it with great sucess, but one time my daughter did get dizzy so be very careful and only use low settings with luke warm water (not cold, not hot). Really take gravity to your advantage and get that head/ear down to the side as much as possible. It also works quickly!

At work I have to use the old bohemeth stainless steel jobbie that reminds me of a medievil torture chamber device, and scares my patients to heck and back...but it works. I prefer the water pic and bought one for myself for my family and I who get wax buildup.

stidget99 · Aug 11, 2005

Water pic.......the only way to go as long as one knows what they are doing (i.e. not directing the flow directly at the TM).

2 days of DSS in the ear followed by 1/2 strength H2O2......works wonders. And I agree w/ the OP.....low pressure on the water pic and gravity works very well.....positioning and prepartation is everything in regards to mess and clean-up (have lots of towels handy along w/ the kidney basin). Oh, don't forget eye protection....definitely a must (it's just gross when you get squirted in the face w/ cerumen-water mixture).