Ear Wax Removal

From Anvita Health Wiki

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Contraindications 3 Procedure 4 Complications 5 More General Terms 6 Additional Terms 7 References

Introduction

• Instrument removal technique:
• blunt ear curette (Buck) size 0 or 00
• wire curette ( cerumen spoon)
• otoscope
• suction device

Contraindications

• ear lavage

• patients who cannot cooperate or maintain head in an immobile position
• otitis externa
• suspected perforation of the tympanic membrane

Procedure

• pretreatment to loosen ear wax

• Cerumenex
• docusate Na+ ( Colace) liquid 1 mL, drain after 15 minutes
• carbamide peroxide ( Debrox) 5-10 drops BID for 4 days; allow to remain in ear for 15 minutes

• irrigation solution (water) should be body temperature to avoid the vestibular reflex, resulting in vertigo, nausea & vomiting
• the stream should NOT be aimed directly at the tympanic membrane
• pretreatment with Cerumenex may be indicated

Complications

• malignant otitis media due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with diabetes mellitus

More General Terms

• clinical procedure

Additional Terms

• cerumen
• triethanolamine polypeptide oleate-condensate (Cerumenex)

References

1. Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 11, American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 1998
2. Prescriber's Letter 7(11):63 2000
3. Prescriber's Letter 15(11): 2008 Earwax Removal Detail-Document#: [1] (subscription needed) [2]
4. Coppin R et al Randomized trial of bulb syringes for earwax: Impact on health service utilization [3]

ear wax removal