cerumen impaction

 Cerumen Impaction

Cerumen is known as Ear wax. It is mixture of secretions of ceruminous gland and sebaceous glands. 

Ceruminous gland produce earwax, it helps in prevents drying the surface and prevent foreign object to enter.

Sebaceous glands are producing oil,l gland  help to inhibit bacteria, keep waterproof and prevent from drying.

Ear wax protect the ear canal from infection and trapping the dirt in ear canal.

Ear Impaction occurs when earwax accumulates in inner part of ear canal and block the tympanic membrane (eardrum), results in impacted wax or cerumen impaction.

It also contains shedded epithelium and dust particles.

Risk Factors and Causes

Earwax become impacted when pushed against eardrum by cotton tipped applicators, hair-pins or other objects put into ear or overproduction of earwax.

Clinical Manifestations

1. Partial hearing loss

2. Tinnitus; ringing in ear

3. Itching

4. Otalgia

5. Vertigo

6. Sensation of fullness in ear

7. Discomfort in ear

Management

1. Irrigation of ear 

2. Removal of curette

Jobson horne probe used to break cerumen.

Cotton tipped applicator used to remove wax. 

3. Suction

In case of wax occlusive, instill ear drops such as sodium bicarbonate (5%) ear drops, drops make soften cerumen and make easy to remove.

Prevention

Wipe the outer ear with wet clothes. 

Instill 2 drops mineral oil into each ear once a week and rinse with warm water.

Place 2 drops of otic solution in each ear a week after showering.