Water applications are made to the ear by means of fomentations,
compresses, the douche, or the spray. Compresses and fomentations are
useful in inflammations of the structures of the ear, including
abscesses which often form in the walls of the external canal. Alternate
hot and cold applications are useful in causing the absorption of
inflammatory deposits, and thus restoring the hearing. The douche,
administered with the fountain syringe, is a valuable means of removing
foreign bodies and insects. The warm douche has proved very serviceable
in restoring the hearing by removing hardened ear-wax. In administering
the douche, the head should be inclined over a basin, while the stream
of water is allowed to issue from the nozzle held close to the external
opening of the ear. Violent syringing of the ear should never be
practiced, as it may occasion irreparable injury.