EAR IRRIGATION AND EAR

CARE
DEFINITION: Ear irrigation is the washing of the external
auditory canal with a stream of fluid.
PURPOSE:
To remove the ear wax(cerumen).
To remove foreign bodies.
To cleanse the ear in case of purulent discharge caused by
the middle ear infection.
For antiseptic effect.
To apply heat.
GENERAL INSTRUCTION:
The temperature of the solution should be between 37 to 38
degree celsius or close to the body temperature when it
enters the external auditory canal.
Straighten the auditory canal by holding the pinna of the
ear upward and backward in case of adults and downward
and backward in children.
The irrigating can should not be more than 6 inches or 15
cm above from the level of the ear.
Always have doctors written order for the procedure.
Watch the patient for symptoms of vertigo and if this
occurs, then irrigating should be discontinued.
Use sterile equipment when irrigating ear with punctured
ear drum.
Expel the ear from the tubing.
ARTICLES REQUIRED:
A tray containing:
A sterile tray irrigator
An irrigating can with tubing
A rubber bulb syringe
A metal syringe
Sterile solution in a sterile bag:
 Boric acid 2-4%
Sodium bicarbonate solution1%
Hydrogen peroxide
Plain water
Sterile gauze pieces/cotton swabs in a covered sterile
bowel.
Kidney tray, paper bag.
Sterile swab sticks in a container.
Mackintosh and towel.
Transfer forceps/ Cheatle forceps.
I.V stand(if irrigating is used)
PROCEDURE:
Explain the procedure to the patient.
Make the patient to sit on a chair with aback support with
head turned slightly towards the side to be irrigated.
Place the mackintosh and towel under the head to protect
the patients garments.
Place the kidney tray close to the check under the ear to be
irrigated.
If patient is child, restrain the movement.
Wash hands.
Clean the external auditory canal with swab stick.
Draw the solution into the syringe and expel the air by
holding it vertically.
If an irrigating is used, adjust the height of can. Open the
clamp and expel the air from the tubing.
Test the temperature of the solution n the inner aspect of
wrist/ back of palm.
Straighten the ear canal by pulling the ear posteriorly and
superiorly in case of adults.
Place the tip of syring or nozzel at the opening of the canal.
Allow a small amount of fluid to run over the pinna of the
ear.
Direct the fluid towards the lateral walls of the auditory
canal .Allow a steady and continuous flow of fluid into the
auditory canal maintaining a gentle pressure.
 Irrigate the ear till the desired effect is achieved / return
fluid is clear.
After the procedure, turn the patient to the affected side, so
that the drainage from the ear is facilitated.
Plug the ear loosely to collect the drainage.
Dry the skin in and around the ear.
Dismantle articles, wash hands.
Record the treatment on the nurses record with the date
and time, type of solution used, the effect of the treatment
and any untoward reaction.
 PROCEDURE ON
EAR IRRIGATION &
EAR CARE

SUBMITTED TO:
Mr. EKE Lama Tamang
HOD of Medical Surgical Nursing
SUBMITTED BY :
Sneha Sehrawat
M.S c. Nursing
Ist Year
Rufaida College of Nursing