Ear lavage is defined as?

• A. Ear lavage is defined as irrigation of the external ear canal, often to remove excessive buildup of cerumen
• B. Direct visualization of the tympanic membrane
• C. Applying ear drops
• D. Removing cerumen by suction

Answer: (A)

Ear lavage involves flushing the external ear canal with a warmed irrigating solution to dislodge and remove cerumen and debris. It is a cleansing procedure that uses irrigation rather than suction or topical drops. This is different from directly visualizing the ear with an otoscope, applying ear drops to soften wax, or removing wax by suction. It’s important to avoid lavage if there’s a suspected perforated eardrum, active ear infection, or recent ear surgery, among other contraindications.