Prior to following this regime, please ensure you are suitable for irrigation
- You are not suitable if, on the affected side:
- You have an ear infection
- You have had surgery on the ear
- You suffer from tinnitus in the ear
- You have/or have had a perforation of the eardrum (hole in the eardrum)
- You only have hearing on this side – no hearing in the other ear
- You have a cleft palate
If you are suitable to continue, please follow this advice:
- If the ear feels blocked install 2 drops of sodium bicarbonate drops to the affected ear- for 2 nights only
- If the ear is still blocked after the use of sodium bicarbonate drops, a trial of a “self-irrigating bulb” is recommended. This can be bought at a pharmacy.
- You may need to repeat the sodium bicarbonate and bulb a couple of times to fully clear the ear.
- If self-irrigation is successful, start installing a couple of drops of olive oil to the ear every week. This is to try and prevent the ear blocking up again.
- If self-irrigation is not successful, you may need micro-suction to clear the ear. This is a procedure offered privately in a number of places locally. The service may be offered on a very limited basis at Dr Grays Hospital. Your GP practice will be able to advise you whether this service is running or not.
Jenny Barclay
ENT Nurse Practitioner, Dr Grays Hospital