Ear assessment
The nurse checks for a blockage and the condition of the ear canal, and makes sure irrigation can be done safely.
Nursing care · Saint‑HyacintheEarwax blockage
Ear irrigation: earwax blockage, assessment and safe cleaning
When a blocked-ear sensation may be related to earwax.
Earwax is a substance naturally produced in the ear canal. It helps protect the skin of the canal and trap certain dust and particles.
In some people, however, earwax can build up and form an earwax blockage.
At Clinique IPS du Palais, a nurse can perform an ear assessment to check whether an earwax blockage is present and determine whether irrigation can be done safely.
Symptoms
What an earwax blockage can cause
A buildup of earwax can cause various kinds of discomfort, which vary from person to person.2
This buildup may cause, among other things:
- a blocked-ear sensation;
- reduced hearing;
- a feeling of pressure;
- ringing or whistling in the ear;
- and sometimes dizziness or a change in balance.
Before irrigation
Why have your ear assessed before irrigation?
A blocked-ear sensation is not always caused by a buildup of earwax. Before proceeding with irrigation, the nurse therefore assesses the situation and examines the ear.
In Quebec, the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec, together with the Collège des médecins du Québec and the professional orders of audiologists and hearing aid acousticians, recognizes that nurses may initiate earwax management, including irrigation of the external ear canal, when the necessary conditions are met: training, appropriate equipment and a structured clinical procedure.1
This assessment makes it possible to check, among other things:
- whether a blockage is present;
- its extent;
- the condition of the ear canal;
- whether there is pain or discharge;
- relevant medical history;
- and factors that could make irrigation inappropriate.
The procedure
How is ear irrigation done?
Irrigation of the canal
The ear canal is irrigated with an appropriate solution to help remove the earwax.
Check
The ear is checked before the procedure and may be reassessed during or after irrigation.
The procedure must be stopped if concerning symptoms appear, including significant pain, persistent dizziness, nausea or bleeding.
Preparation
Preparing your ear before the appointment
Softening the earwax can make it easier to remove.
According to instructions used in Quebec’s health network, you may be advised, in the 3 to 7 days before irrigation, to apply a few drops of olive oil or mineral oil in the affected ear, or to use an over-the-counter solution recommended by your pharmacist.2
However, follow the instructions provided by our clinic, since this preparation is not appropriate in every situation.
- 3 to 7 days before
- A few drops of oil
- In the affected ear
When should you contact the clinic before booking?
Contact our team before booking an irrigation if you have, for example:
- significant pain;
- fever;
- discharge from the ear;
- a known or suspected perforated eardrum;
- ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes);
- a history of ear surgery;
- a recent injury;
- or any unusual or significant symptom.
Another assessment may be preferable before proceeding with irrigation.
Ear irrigation at Clinique IPS du Palais
Ear irrigation
40 $Removal of an earwax blockage already assessed and confirmed by a health professional. Irrigation is performed by a nurse when the conditions for proceeding safely are met.
Ear assessment and irrigation
85 $Ear assessment by a nurse to check for an earwax blockage and determine whether irrigation can be done. When irrigation is indicated and safe, it is performed during the same appointment.
Before your appointment
Follow the instructions provided by the clinic to prepare and soften the earwax when this has been recommended to you.
If you have significant pain, fever, discharge, a known perforated eardrum or tubes in your ears, contact our team before booking an irrigation.
For children: the comic “Clara and the ear cleaning” (in French) explains this care in simple words.
Sources
- Collège des médecins du Québec, Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec, Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Québec and Ordre des audioprothésistes du Québec. Gestion du cérumen (joint opinion). Accessed October 4, 2026. cmq.org
- CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale. Les bouchons de cérumen (information sheet on preparing for ear irrigation). January 2020, accessed October 4, 2026. ciusss-capitalenationale.gouv.qc.ca
The information on this page is provided for informational purposes and does not replace an assessment by a health professional.