My ears are blocked with wax and drops haven't helped. I don't want to go to the doctor because my mom says he may have to use a syringe to get rid of the wax. I'm scared of needles! Is there anything I can do?
- Danilee*

Don't worry! Not all syringes have needles. The type of syringe your doc will use to clear ear wax has a hole at the end instead of a needle. Your doctor or nurse will use it to squirt warm water into your ear as a way to flush out the wax.

This simple, painless procedure is called ear irrigation. Afterward, you'll be able to hear better and you'll be a lot more comfortable. So it's worth making that trip to the doctor!

Reviewed by: Kate M. Cronan, MD
Date reviewed: June 2010

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.