Ear Wax

• Ear wax

  Also called cerumen, it is normally produced in small amounts in the external ear canal and is created from a combination of secretions, dead skin cells and any substances that enter the ear
• Ear wax

  • Has a protective effect, helping to prevent infection in the ear canal
  • In most people, ear wax does not cause any problems
• Impacted ear wax

  Ear wax can build up and become impacted and stuck to the tympanic membrane
• Ear wax can be seen on examination with an otoscope and may completely cover the tympanic membrane, preventing assessment of the tympanic membrane and inner ear
• Management of ear wax

  1. Inserting cotton buds into the ear should be avoided

  2. Ear drops - usually olive oil or sodium bicarbonate 5%

  3. Ear irrigation - squirting water in the ears to clean away the wax

  4. Microsuction - using a tiny suction device to suck out the wax
• In most cases, ear wax does not require any interventions and the ears should naturally regulate the amount of wax in the ear canal without any issues
• Ear drops may be enough to clear the ears, but if not, ear irrigation can often be performed in primary care. Where there are contraindications to ear irrigation (e.g., perforated tympanic membrane or infection), microsuction can be performed by specialist ear, nose and throat services