Impacted Cerumen (Ear Wax)
Impacted cerumen is a build up of ear wax in the auditory canal. This can cause discomfort and affected hearing and is most common in children and older people.
Symptoms of Impacted Cerumen (Wax)
- Discomfort in the ear.
- Loss of hearing.
- Dizziness.
- Tinnitus.
Treatment
Impacted cerumen is diagnosed by looking in the ear with a otoscope. Dry, hard wax can be seen within the auditory canal. Several methods may be used to treat the condition:
- Irrigation of the ear.
- Removal of the wax with forceps and suction.
- Hard wax may be softened with olive oil or sodium bicarbonate.
- Once the was is softened, the ear may be syringed.
