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