NICE Warns Ear Syringing Dangerous

Ear Syringing Dangerous and Doesn't Work

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has released new directions on the ear wax removal method of ear syringing. They have advised that ear syringing in the traditional manner, (using a large syringe to pump water into the ear), is potentially harmful and should no longer be used. 

Discredited Method of Ear Cleaning

It has been known for many years that ear syringing was a discredited method of ear cleaning so it is good that NICE has produced guidance on it. In fact, we have spoken here in the past about a paper that was published in the British Medical Journal in relation to ear syringing.

The paper detailed that there were significant problems associated with ear syringing on a regular basis. The problems were detailed as;

• failure of wax removal 29%
• otitis media (mid-ear infection) 17%
• perforation of the eardrum 15%
• and trauma to the external auditory meatus (ear canal) 11% 

NICE recommends that all medical practitioners should instead use ear irrigation which uses an irrigation machine that introduces water under controlled pressure or micro-suction using a low-pressure suction machine.

Micro-Suction Ear Wax Removal

We provide ear cleaning services in all of our hearing aid centres using the micro-suction ear wax removal method. If you think that you need ear wax removal, give us a call or book an appointment online now. 

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