Introduction: Syringing of the ear is one of the most common procedures performed for cleaning cerumen from the external auditory canal. Common complications following syringing are pain, external auditory canal trauma and otitis externa. Hearing and vestibular loss have also been reported as complications. However, we are unaware of any report of facial nerve palsy as a complication of ear syringing. Such a case is reported.
Case presentation: We describe a case of facial nerve palsy as a complication of syringing, which demonstrates the dramatic presentation of this condition and emphasises the need for great care while syringing the ears.
Conclusion: It is important to be aware of this unusual complication with its distinctive presentation. Surgical intervention should be undertaken at the earliest opportunity, for favourable results. A risk-minimising strategy for ear syringing is recommended.