Irrigation
Historically the use of a large syringe to introduce water under pressure, was an accepted medical procedure. This process relied heavily on the skill of the attending Nurse or Doctor to use the syringe correctly and maintain a safe level of pressure, to avoid perforating the eardrum (tympanic membrane). Additionally, there were problems introducing water at the correct temperature so that patients did not suffer from vertigo (dizziness) during and after the procedure.
There were problems and with the rise of the aware of likely success from litigation, new safer equipment and standards were introduced.
Today, irrigation is carried out with a machine to control the pressure of the water stream and training standards dictate how the equipment should be used and what temperature the water should be at for the patient. This involves running the mix of hot and cold water from the tap to fill the water reservoir to a temperature of 38 degrees centigrade. This ensures the water enters the ear canal at 37 degrees after running through the irrigator's tubing. It’s not ideal for busy practice’s as it takes time a patience to get the water temperature correct.
Collection of the waste water using a pot held under the ear is normal practice. This can be held by the patient, giving the professional two hands to work with. The waste water pot requires emptying regularly and inconveniently, the water reservoir will need refilling again to the correct temperature.
In the absence of other specialist instruments in medical centres, the water is delivered in a pulsing stream. To the patient this may feel like a vibration and can be unpopular! It does however, increase the effectiveness of the water to dislodge earwax and wash it out of the ear canal. The image below shows the approved ProPulse irrigation machine for medical centres. Scroll down further for details of Ear Clinic's advanced computer controlled irrigation functions.
Today, irrigation is carried out with a machine to control the pressure of the water stream and training standards dictate how the equipment should be used and what temperature the water should be at for the patient. This involves running the mix of hot and cold water from the tap to fill the water reservoir to a temperature of 38 degrees centigrade. This ensures the water enters the ear canal at 37 degrees after running through the irrigator's tubing. It’s not ideal for busy practice’s as it takes time a patience to get the water temperature correct.
Collection of the waste water using a pot held under the ear is normal practice. This can be held by the patient, giving the professional two hands to work with. The waste water pot requires emptying regularly and inconveniently, the water reservoir will need refilling again to the correct temperature.
In the absence of other specialist instruments in medical centres, the water is delivered in a pulsing stream. To the patient this may feel like a vibration and can be unpopular! It does however, increase the effectiveness of the water to dislodge earwax and wash it out of the ear canal. The image below shows the approved ProPulse irrigation machine for medical centres. Scroll down further for details of Ear Clinic's advanced computer controlled irrigation functions.
For those who have invested in training and equipment, irrigation has been largely superseded by microsuction. However, there is still a need for the use of water with some patients. Where there is earwax against the tympanic membrane (eardrum) it can be safer and more comfortable for the patient, if water is used to wash the earwax away. This is particularly the case where the earwax coats the tympanic membrane and canal walls. There are also instances where the canal entrance is very narrow. The use of cerumenolytics to break down hard earwax followed by irrigation to wash the earwax out through a narrow entrance is effective and more comfortable for the patient. Irrigation is also ideal for quickly and safely removing a foreign body in the ear canal.
Ear Clinic has the region's most advanced irrigation system.
Because we have a full compliment of instruments to remove earwax manually, there is no need to use pulsing irrigation, so it is most comfortable for patients. Water is automatically pre-heated to 37 degrees centigrade and maintained by computer sensors. The pressure is also computer controlled to maintain it within safe limits. There is a light integral in the irrigator’s handle to give a permanent clear view of the ear. A variety of tips are available depending on the angle required.
Therefore, at Ear Clinic, the professional has an endless supply of perfectly heated water and a clear view of the ear. However, they are further assisted by a very convenient water collection cup, integral with the system’s vacuum source, that removes waste water and never requires holding by the patient or manually emptying in the sink. Other irrigation systems and ENT equipment generally, quickly appear out of date when you attend Ear Clinic.
Ear Clinic has the region's most advanced irrigation system.
Because we have a full compliment of instruments to remove earwax manually, there is no need to use pulsing irrigation, so it is most comfortable for patients. Water is automatically pre-heated to 37 degrees centigrade and maintained by computer sensors. The pressure is also computer controlled to maintain it within safe limits. There is a light integral in the irrigator’s handle to give a permanent clear view of the ear. A variety of tips are available depending on the angle required.
Therefore, at Ear Clinic, the professional has an endless supply of perfectly heated water and a clear view of the ear. However, they are further assisted by a very convenient water collection cup, integral with the system’s vacuum source, that removes waste water and never requires holding by the patient or manually emptying in the sink. Other irrigation systems and ENT equipment generally, quickly appear out of date when you attend Ear Clinic.
Additional Notes
Irrigation should not be carried out if the patient has a perforated tympanic membrane (eardrum).
Patients who have a healed perforation may have irrigation, however, the professional will proceed with caution.
Patients who have had ear surgery, should always ask their doctor if irrigation is safe for them.
If you are concerned or have any reason to be unsure if you can safely have your ear(s) irrigated, please ask your doctor.
Irrigation should not be carried out if the patient has a perforated tympanic membrane (eardrum).
Patients who have a healed perforation may have irrigation, however, the professional will proceed with caution.
Patients who have had ear surgery, should always ask their doctor if irrigation is safe for them.
If you are concerned or have any reason to be unsure if you can safely have your ear(s) irrigated, please ask your doctor.
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Walk-in to make an appointment.
See our Contact page here for more details.