An accumulation of wax in the external ear. Wax in the ear is normal and usually comes out naturally from time to time. It may accumulate to form a wax plug and cause a problem for the patient.
Causes
- Excessive and/or thick wax production
- Small, tortuous and/or hairy ear canal
- Use of ear pads
Clinical features
- Blocked ears
- Buzzing sound
- Sometimes mild pain
MANAGEMENT
General measures
- Soften the wax by inserting drops of Vegetable oil or Glycerine or Sodium bicarbonate into the
ear 3 times a day for a few days. After this the wax may fall out on its own - Syringe the ear carefully with clean warm water when the wax is soft
Caution
- Advise the patient not to poke anything into the ear in an attempt to clean it, as this may damage the eardrums
- Do not syringe if (a) there is history of discharge and (b) if there is pain