IMPACTED CERUMEN (EARWAX IMPACTION)
Impacted Cerumen is a condition in which accumulation of Earwax in ear canal leading to blockage and pressure in ear canal, lead to Difficulty in hearing and pain this is Know as IMPACTED CERUMEN
Etiology/Risk Factors
- Person with developmental disabilities
- Older age
- Excessive Secretions of CERUMEN
- Using hearing aids or ear plugs
- Putting object in ear
- Poor Hygiene
- Anatomical defect that interferes in removal of wax.
- Infection
Pathophysiology
- Sebaceous glands produce sebum which acts as a lubricant and Protect ear canal from bacteria and fungus.
- Poor Hygiene, Cut abrasion or Scrapes, Weak Immune System and Excessive Secretion Of Cerumen
- Cerumen does not clear
- Impacted cerumen
- Itching, pain , External Otitis, tinnitus,vertigo and Hearing Loss
Clinical Manifestations
- Tinnitus
- Itching
- Dizziness
- Ear discharge
- Partial loss of hearing
- Difficulty in hearing
- OTITIS MEDIA
- Bad odour from the ear
- Feeling of fullness in ear
10.Otalgia - Cough
Diagnostic Evaluation
- History Collection
- Physical Examination
- Inspection of ear canal
- Banji test: In this test patient relieves auditory symptoms after Removal of Earwax
Management
- Irrigate the ear canal with irrigator.
- Instill antibiotic ear drops to prevent infection.
- Removal of Earwax Through special forceps like cerumen spoon or suction device.
- Clean Ear Through Clothes, Wipe the External ear and Dry
- Apply cerumenolytic solutions to dissolve wax.
Complications
- Dizziness
- Ear irritation
- Tinnitus
- Otalgia
- Hearing loss.