Whether saline can be used to wash the ears needs to be analyzed on a case-by-case basis. In general, saline can be used for the rinsing of cerumen and foreign bodies in the external auditory canal, but in case of inflammation of the ear, saline is usually not used to wash the ear. Patients are advised to do this under the guidance of a doctor.
Saline has a cleansing, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect, and can be applied externally, such as when cleaning wounds or changing medicines. In case of cerumen or foreign bodies in the external ear canal, sodium bicarbonate solution can be dripped as prescribed by the doctor, and after the cerumen is softened, the external ear canal can be rinsed with saline in order to remove cerumen or foreign bodies.
In case of inflammation of the ear, such as otitis externa, otitis media, etc., it is necessary to keep the local area clean and dry, and generally do not use saline to wash the ear to avoid infection. In addition, if there is a tympanic membrane perforation disease patients, need to prohibit the ear canal flushing, so as not to cause the patient vertigo and other discomfort.
It is recommended that patients suffering from ear diseases should follow the doctor’s instructions for treatment and medication, and not unauthorized use of saline ear flushing, in order to avoid improper operation, damage to the ear canal or cause other serious consequences, pain, pus and other symptoms of infection.