Waterpik Ear Wax Removal

Removing earwax usually requires nothing more than wiping loose wax from the opening of the ear, but in some cases the wax or cerumen collects in the ear canal, creating a health condition known in medical circles as cerumen impaction. Various options exist for removing this compacted wax, including flushing with water. Although you may have heard of flushing the ear using a jet irrigator, such as the brand known as Waterpik, make sure you know the basic facts about this method of wax removal before opting to use a jet irrigator on your affected ear, especially if you experience symptoms of a punctured eardrum.

The Facts

Impacted cerumen may develop in people of all ages but occurs most frequently in special needs individuals and the geriatric population, notes the American Academy of Family Physicians 1. Factors that may contribute to the development of earwax buildup include narrow ear canals, excessive hair growth in the ear canals and improper ear cleaning techniques, as well as the use of external devices, such as hearing aids and ear plugs. Signs of compacted wax include gradual hearing loss, dizziness, ear pain and a feeling of fullness in the ear canal of the affected ear.

Function

Flushing wax from the ear requires you to direct a flow of water into the ear canal, which may soften and remove the buildup of wax. Designed for cleaning teeth, a Waterpik jet irrigator creates a forceful flow of water that shoots from the nozzle of the irrigator. Directing this flow of forced water into the ear canal may loosen compacted cerumen, according to Dr. Albert Menner, a practicing otolaryngologist and author of the book “A Pocket Guide to the Ear.” However, Dr. Menner notes that the device should always be placed on its lowest setting to minimize the water pressure 2.

Warning

MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia warns against using jet irrigators, such as a Waterpik, to attempt the removal of compacted earwax 34. When used by inexperienced individuals, the strong water pressure that comes from jet irrigators could actually lead to further complications, such as eardrum damage or perforation. In certain instances, damage to the eardrum could cause additional problems, including permanent loss of hearing, ear infections and mastoiditis or infection of the bone behind the ear.

Alternatives

Using a Waterpik dental device is not your only option for loosening and removing earwax. According to MedlinePlus, other safer alternatives include wax-softening drops and irrigation with a syringe. Acceptable wax-softening solutions for softening the built-up cerumen include baby oil, glycerin, mineral oil and hydrogen peroxide. If you decide to irrigate the affected ear with a syringe, stick with body-temperature water to minimize side effects, such as vertigo, that may occur during the irrigation procedure.

Considerations

Talk to your doctor before attempting to remove compacted cerumen using any home remedies, including a Waterpik or other jet irrigator. Depending upon your personal medical history, your doctor may conduct a physical exam of your ear, as well as make recommendations regarding the most appropriate method of wax removal. In certain instances, your doctor may opt to manually remove the wax himself, especially if you may have a punctured eardrum or ear tubes, as well as certain medical conditions, including diabetes, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 5.