Ear irrigation, also known as ear lavage, is a procedure to remove ear wax that can build up in the ear canal and block part or all of it. Ear wax, or cerumen, is a substance with antibacterial properties made by glands in your outer ears. It mixes with dead cells and hair to form a barrier that protects the middle and inner ear from dirt and debris.If you have too much ear wax, it can be removed either by lavage—flushing out the wax with liquid—or using drops to soften the wax so it can be removed with the help of an instrument, which should only be done by a medical professional.Why is Ear Irrigation (Ear Lavage) performed? Your ears are designed to be self-cleaning, pushing the wax out as you move your jaw, which then dries and flakes off. However, in some people the wax builds up and can block the ear canal. It can affect anyone, but people who wear ear plugs or ear buds a lot, people with narrow ear canals, and children or older adults are more likely to have excess wax. This service is performed by Dr. Amita Sachdev at NatCan Integrative Medical and Wellness Centre, Vaughan ON. BOOK HERE
