EAR IRRIGATION

DEFINITION – Ear irrigation is the washing of the external auditory canal with a solution.

PURPOSE –

 To clean the auditory canal.

 To apply heat or cold to the ear.
 To remove any foreign object except (grain).
 To relieve pain.

SOLUTION USED –

 Boric acid 2-4%.

 Sodium bicarbonate solution 1%.
 Normal saline.
 Hydrogen peroxide 2%.
 Pain warm water.

Preparation of articles

 Sterile

Articles Rationale
An irrigating solution in a sterile container. To irrigate ear.
Sterile cotton balls and cotton-tipped To clean the external auditory canal.
applicators and a small towel
Thumb forceps in a sterile solution. To transfer sterile articles.
 Clean articles

Articles Rationale
A mackintosh and a towel. To protect bedding and garments.
A kidney tray and a paper bag. To receive waste.
An IV stand To adjust height of the irrigation.
Ear medication -

GENERAL INSTRUCTION –
 Explain the procedure to reduce the patient’s anxiety and gain his cooperation.
  The temperature of the irrigating solution should be between 37° C and 38° C.
 Irrigate with the minimum amount of pressure. The height of the can should be 6 inches
or 15 cms above the level of the ear.
 Straighten the external auditory canal by holding pinna of the ear upward and backward
in case or adults, in children pull it downward and backward.

 Expel air from the syringe and tubing before starting the procedure.
 Direct the stream the solution towards the wall of ear canal not towards the tympanic
membrane.
 If vertigo occurs, stop the procedure immediately.
 Ear irrigation should not be done when any grain has gone into the ear, as it may swell up
and impact the ear canal.
 Carryout the procedure in good light.

PROCEDURE –

S Steps Rationale
.no

1 Explain the procedure and place the patient in a To relieve the patient’s anxiety and gain his
sitting position or dorsal recumbent with is head cooperation.
titled towards the affected area.

2 Spread the mackintosh and the towel and put the To receive the irrigating solution prevent
kidney tray close to the head and under the eye. soiling of bedding and clothes.

3 Wash hands. To prevent transfer of micro-organism.

4 Use a clothe swab stick to remove any To prevent carrying discharge deeper into
discharge. the canal.

5 Test temperature of the solution by pouring at Extreme temperature causes vertigo.

the back of the nurse’s and pinna of ear.

6 Pull the ear gently to straiten the external It allows fluid to reach upto tympanic
auditory canal and direct stream of the fluid membrane. Prevent injury to the tympanic
towards the lateral wall of the auditory canal. membrane.
7 Observe the signs of pain and vertigo -

8 Irrigate the ear till the desire effect is achieve by To achieve the desired result.
a steady and continuous flow of the solution.

9 Dry pinna of ear by using a small towel. To feel comfortable.

10 Remove soiled articles and make the patient To allow the remaining solution to drain out
comfortable. Instruct him to lie on the irrigated of the auditory canal. To make the patient
side for a few minutes after procedure. relaxed.

DOCUMENTATION - record the time of irrigation, Kind the amount the solution, nature of
the return flow and effect of the treatment.