Comparison of Syringing of the Ear Wax with Plastic Disposable & Metallic Syringe

Abstract

Objective: Ear syringing is a very common procedure performed by both general physicians and Ear Nose and Throat specialists & consultants. To compare the effectiveness of plastic disposable and metallic syringes for removal of ear wax.
Patients and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on one hundred patients, over a period of one year from January to December 2016. These patients were divided into two groups by odd and even serial numbers. Group-A included 50 patients who were treated by syringing with a plastic disposable syringe to remove their ear wax while Group-B consisted of 50 patients who were treated by syringing with a traditional Higginson metallic syringe for the removal of their ear wax. The discomfort score, cost, efficacy, safety, and complications were recorded and compared in patients of both groups.
Results: Syringing with a plastic disposable syringe was more cost-effective, safer, lesser cumbersome and has less complications rate than syringing with a metallic syringe. However, the efficacy was similar in both types of procedures.
Conclusion: Syringing of the ear with a plastic disposable syringe is safer, more feasible, economical but equally effective as compared to syringing with a metallic syringe.