The Traditional Method: Ear Syringing

For many years, ear syringing (also known as ear irrigation) was a common method for removing earwax. This procedure involves flushing water into the ear canal to dislodge and wash out earwax. While it was once widespread, modern audiological practice now favors gentler and more precise techniques due to the recognized risks associated with syringing.

Understanding the Potential Risks

While often performed without incident, ear syringing carries several well-documented risks that are important to be aware of:

• Ear Infections: Introducing water into the ear canal can create a warm, moist environment conducive to bacterial growth, leading to outer ear (otitis externa) or even middle ear infections.

• Damage to the Eardrum: The pressure of the water jet can, in rare cases, perforate the eardrum, leading to pain, hearing loss, and potential long-term damage.

• Dizziness & Vertigo: The temperature of the water can stimulate the inner ear, causing temporary dizziness, vertigo, or nausea, particularly in sensitive individuals.

• Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears): Some patients report the onset or worsening of tinnitus following syringing, potentially due to pressure changes or irritation.

• Pushing Wax Deeper: Instead of removing wax, syringing can sometimes push it further into the ear canal, making it more difficult to remove and potentially worsening blockages.

• Skin Irritation: The flushing action can strip the delicate skin of the ear canal of its protective wax, leading to dryness, itching, and irritation.

Why Safer Alternatives Are Preferred

Given these potential complications, modern audiology strongly advocates for methods that offer superior precision, safety, and patient comfort. Techniques like microsuction avoid the use of water and provide direct visual control throughout the removal process, significantly reducing the risks associated with older irrigation methods.

Choose Precision, Choose Safety: Experience Microsuction

At LAC Ear Cleaning, your safety and comfort are paramount. We exclusively use microsuction, the gold-standard method for earwax removal, performed by a qualified Clinical Audiologist in the comfort of your home. We eliminate the risks of water and guesswork, providing a clear, gentle, and effective solution, right in the comfort of your home