ENT - Ear Wax Flashcards
What is ear wax also called?
Cerumen
Where is ear wax normally produced?
In the external ear canal
What is ear wax made from?
A combination of secretions, dead skin cells, and substances that enter the ear
What protective effect does ear wax have?
Helps to prevent infection in the ear canal
What problems can arise from impacted ear wax?
- Conductive hearing loss
- Discomfort in the ear
- A feeling of fullness
- Pain
- Tinnitus
What can impacted ear wax prevent?
Assessment of the tympanic membrane and inner ear
Does ear wax usually require intervention?
No, it often does not require any interventions
.
What should be avoided to prevent ear wax impaction?
Inserting cotton buds into the ear
Can push wax deeper into the ear canal
What are the three main methods for removing ear wax?
- Ear drops (usually olive oil or sodium bicarbonate 5%)
- Ear irrigation
- Microsuction
What is ear irrigation?
Squirting water in the ears to clean away wax
Primary care
What is microsuction?
Using a tiny suction device to suck out the wax
Specialists
When should microsuction be performed?
When there are contraindications to ear irrigation
Perforated TM or infection
