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Ear Irrigation (Lavage): What to Expect at Home

Your Recovery

Ear irrigation, or lavage, was done to wash excess earwax (cerumen) from your ear canal. A stream of warm water was carefully directed into your ear. Afterward, the doctor may have removed any stray pieces of earwax with a small scoop.

Your doctor may have given you eardrops containing steroids and antibiotics to use after your visit.

The inside of your ears will feel wet after the procedure. You might also have mild dizziness, loss of hearing, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus) for a few minutes.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Activity

  • You can do your normal activities when it feels okay to do so.

Diet

  • You can eat your normal diet.

Medicines

  • If your doctor gave you eardrops, use them as directed.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have new or worse hearing problems in one or both ears.
  • You have new or increasing pus or blood draining from your ear.
  • You have new or increasing ear pain.
  • You have new or worse pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around or behind your ear.
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