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Earwax - Management
What are the complications of ear irrigation?
- The following have been reported [Sharp et al, 1990]:
- Failure of wax removal
- Otitis externa
- Perforation of the tympanic membrane
- Damage to the external auditory meatus
- Pain [Clegg et al, 2010]
- Irritation and itching of the ear [Clegg et al, 2010]
- Vertigo
- Otitis media due to water entering the middle ear when there is a previous perforation.
- Exacerbation of pre-existing tinnitus [Burton and Doree, 2003].
- Bleeding may also occur but is usually self limiting [Grossan, 2000].
- Nausea, vomiting, and vertigo may result from temperature variations of the irrigating fluid [Zivic and King, 1993].
- There is evidence that rarely (approximately 1 in every 1000 ears syringed) serious complications may occur.
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