Ear Wax
aka Cerumen
Hx
Pain
Deafness
Etiology:
cotton buds
hearing aids
Rx
NO Rx if previous ear surgery, perforated eardrum or otitis media/externa
30% will clear in 5 days without treatment (avoiding side effects)
IF doesn't
Cerumenolytic 5 drop BD for 5 days
- Water, 0.9%NaCl, olive oil no different to commercial products
- (Carbamide peroxide, Dichlorobenzene with chlorbutol, Docusate, Sodium bicarbonate)
IF still doesn't
Gentle syringe with warm (~37C) H2O or 0.9% NaCl
Prevention: avoid cotton buds
Hx
Pain
Deafness
Etiology:
cotton buds
hearing aids
Rx
NO Rx if previous ear surgery, perforated eardrum or otitis media/externa
30% will clear in 5 days without treatment (avoiding side effects)
IF doesn't
Cerumenolytic 5 drop BD for 5 days
- Water, 0.9%NaCl, olive oil no different to commercial products
- (Carbamide peroxide, Dichlorobenzene with chlorbutol, Docusate, Sodium bicarbonate)
IF still doesn't
Gentle syringe with warm (~37C) H2O or 0.9% NaCl
Prevention: avoid cotton buds