ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the background knowledge required and describes the procedure in line with the Rotherham Primary Ear Care Centre guidelines. The ear is divided into three parts, usually described as the outer, middle and inner ear. The outer ear is made up of the pinna and the external auditory meatus. The middle ear is the area behind the eardrum where three little bones are located. The inner ear consists of the cochlea and the semicircular canals. Wax is actually very important for protection, lubrication and for slowing down the growth of bacteria. It is made up of cerumen, sebum, dead skin cells and debris. Sometimes it may be necessary to remove wax by irrigation, but this should always be a last resort because putting water inside the ear canal increases the risk of infection. Olive oil drops at room temperature are the cheapest and most suitable way of softening the wax.
