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Warmed versus room temperature saline solution for ear irrigation: a randomized clinical trial
A A Ernst1, K M Takakuwa, C Letner
1University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|August 25, 1999
Summary
Warmed normal saline solution significantly improves ear irrigation comfort and reduces dizziness compared to room temperature saline. This study highlights the benefits of using warmed solutions for ear irrigation in normal volunteers.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Ear irrigation is a common procedure for cerumen removal.
- The temperature of the irrigating solution can affect patient comfort and side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare patient comfort and side effects of ear irrigation using warmed versus room temperature normal saline solution.
- To test the hypothesis that warmed saline is more comfortable and safer than room temperature saline.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, single-blind, crossover trial involving 40 healthy volunteers.
- Each subject received 30 mL of warmed and room temperature saline in opposite ears.
- Discomfort was measured using visual analog scales (0-100 mm).
Main Results:
- Warmed saline resulted in significantly lower discomfort scores (mean difference 26 mm, P <.0001).
- Dizziness was reported by 20% more subjects with room temperature saline.
- No significant gender or order effects were observed.
Conclusions:
- Warmed normal saline solution is clinically and statistically superior to room temperature saline for ear irrigation in normal volunteers.
- Using warmed saline significantly reduces reported dizziness during ear irrigation.
