Ear Wax Outline

MEDICAL TERM
Cerumen

AGE
Any

SYMPTOMS

• No symptoms most common
• Hearing loss
• Ear pain
• Blocked ear

Most commonly seen on routine examination with the patient unaware of having wax in the ear canal.

PHYSICAL EXAM

• Brown to black colored wax
• Unable to see ear drum behind the wax

Being unable to see the ear drum because of wax can be very frustrating for the examiner.

LAB

• Conductive hearing loss
• Flat tympanogram (type B )

TREATMENT

• Over the counter drops to soften the wax
• Syringing out the wax with water by a doctor
• Suctioning out the wax by a doctor

REFERRAL
If one can not see the eardrum and simple methods don’t improve the condition, then the person should see the doctor.

PREVENTION
None