Procedure of Ear Irrigation

1
 Ear Irrigation
•Cleansing of the external auditory
canal with a stream of liquid. 
.

2
 Purposes
1.To wash out impacted ear wax/ cerumen
2.To remove foreign bodies
3.To cleanse the ear in case of purulent discharge
caused by middle ear infection
4.To apply heat
5.To antiseptic effect

3
 Contra- Indications for Ear Irrigation

• Presence or history of a tympanic membrane

perforation.
• Previous pain on irrigation.
• Previous surgery to the middle ear.
• Relative contraindications to an uncooperative
patient.

4
 Caution for Ear Irrigation
•When clearing cerumen in patients who have
undergone a mastoidestomy in the past, during
which sensitive anatomical structures like the
facial nerve and semicircular canals may have
been exposed.

5
Complications of Ear Irrigation

• Perforation of ear drum

• Middle ear infection
• External ear infection
• Permanent hearing loss
6
Ear Irrigation

7
 Solutions used

1. Sodium bicarbonate solution 1%

2. Normal saline
3. Hydrogen peroxide 2%
4.Plain water
Temperature should be 98F- 100F 8
 Sample Documentation
Date Time Need/ Nursing Remarks Signature
Problem Action
09/06/2021 4.00 p.m. Ear Explained No
irrigation to the complaints.
be done. procedure
to the
patient.
Ear
irrigation
done.
Health
education
given.

9
Procedure of Instilling Medication
into Ear

10
 Ear Instillation
• Is the process of introducing  otic medication 
or other liquids into the ear canal. 
•Absorbed through the skin of the ear canal
and membranes of the ear drum.
•Proper care is needed in delivering such
liquids.

11
 Purposes
1.To soften ear wax for removing it.
2.To reduce localized inflammation and
destroy infective organisms in the external
ear canal.
3.To relieve pain.
4.To facilitate removal of foreign body.
12
 Contra- Indications for Ear Instillations

•Hypersensitivity to the solutions

•Hydrocortisone ear drops are C/I in
patients with fungal / viral infection in
the ear.
•Perforated ear drum
13
 Storage of Ear Drops
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room
temperature.
• Away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep from freezing.
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no
longer needed.
14
 Special Consideration
•Use sterile technique in
administration of medication in
case of perforation of the tympanic
membrane.

15
 Sample Documentation
Date Time Need/ Nursing Remarks Signature
Problem Action
09/06/2021 4.00 p.m. Ear drops Explained No
to be the complaints.
applied to procedure
left ear. to the
patient.
Applied ear
drops to
the left ear.
Health
education
given.

16
Thank You
17