Before removing ear wax
Impacted ear wax can be dry and hard, so that needs to be softened to remove it more quickly and easily. I would advise that you use 3-4 drops of sodium bicarbonate ear drops (Sodium Bicarbonate BP 5% w/v) twice daily for a week before the appointment. Sodium bicarbonate ear drops can be purchased over the counter from most pharmacies.
However, please do not use ear drops for removing wax if is known that you have a perforated ear drum, ear infection with discharge, recent ear surgery or previous adverse reactions to the drops.
Irrigation cannot be carried out if there is a perforation (hole in the eardrum) or a grommet in the eardrum.
How to use ear drops
Lay your child on their side with their ear uppermost. Use a dropper to allow 3-4 drops at room temperature to fall into their ear canal. Keep the ear in the same position for couple of minutes and gently massage near their ear canal so the drops reach the wax. Now change position to repeat in the other ear if needed. Use a tissue to catch any drops that may run out of the ear. Do not insert cotton wool into the ears.
If your child is upset by putting drops in their ear, try doing it whilst they are sleeping.
How is ear wax removed?
Ear wax is gushed out using warm water from an electronic irrigator (Propulse). For this method to be effective the wax needs to be soft, and eardrops such as 5% sodium bicarbonate, mentioned earlier, must be used ideally for a week prior to the irrigation. The nozzle of the irrigator is placed just inside the ear canal.
If you have any questions regarding the procedure, risks, benefits or alternative treatment, please ask your doctor before signing this consent form.