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Ear Syringing ?

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  • 20-02-2010 1:14am
    #1
    Delancey
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,451 ✭✭✭


    What exactly does ear-syringing entail ? Can G.P.'s do it or is it normally left to E.N.T. specialists ?


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    #2
    alexlyons
    Registered Users Posts: 2,182 ✭✭✭alexlyons


    not sure about syringing, but I've had my ears effectively "power hosed" by my GP. Now that I think about it he definitely said that he could syringe it if that didn't work. They get you to put a drop or two of oil in your ear every day for about a week to soften it all up, then suck it out (lovely I know ;)). The power hosing was just there and then, no oil. The stuff that comes out is horrible, and it can feel a bit weird if they keep at it when its clear. but I did find it relaxing in a very weird sort of way!


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    #3
    AmcD
    Registered Users Posts: 246 ✭✭AmcD


    Ear syringing is generally done in general practice. Often it is the practice nurse who will do it. Once the wax is softened with drops, it can be easily washed out with a jet of warm water.
    I am sure an ENT specialist could do it, but it would be a waste of time and money for you.


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    #4
    nesf
    Registered Users Posts: 27,645 ✭✭✭✭nesf


    My GP does it for me when needed. Straightforward quick procedure that takes very little time and can be easily done in the course of a regular check-up.


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    #5
    BrianD3
    Registered Users Posts: 8,343 ✭✭✭BrianD3


    A close relative has problems with excessive ear wax and has had the ear syringed numerous times by a GP. Then the eardrum became perforated and there was a chronic infection, surgery was required. The ENT specialist who did the surgery has stated that from now on, nobody but him is to syringe the ear.


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    #6
    RobFowl
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 11,667 Mod ✭✭✭✭RobFowl


    BrianD3 wrote: »
    A close relative has problems with excessive ear wax and has had the ear syringed numerous times by a GP. Then the eardrum became perforated and there was a chronic infection, surgery was required. The ENT specialist who did the surgery has stated that from now on, nobody but him is to syringe the ear.

    TBF after a perforation the ear should probably never be syringed.

    Excess wax should be removed by microsuction.

    I can provide referances and guidelines for this if requested BTW.


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