The ear secretes typically wax, which is responsible for the protection and lubrication of the ear. It also prevents the invasion of debris and impedes bacterial overgrowth. However, an excessive quantity of wax or hardened wax can cause a blockage in the ear. Earache, ringing in the ears or temporary hearing loss are common symptoms. Removing the abundance of ear wax with ear irrigation constitutes a routine process and a safe way to relieve these symptoms. Ear irrigation constitutes the process of washing out the external ear canal with saline or water. It is normally used to treat patients who complain about having a foreign body or cerumen (ear wax) impaction.
