Discharge Instructions - Cerumen Impaction

As discussed in the Emergency Department prior to discharge, you have been diagnosed with an ear wax (or cerumen) impaction.

Ear wax impaction is when ear wax builds up enough to cause symptoms.  Normally, ear wax helps to protect the insides of the ears and prevents injury or infection.  But having too much ear wax can cause symptoms such as pain and trouble hearing.  The medical term for ear wax is "cerumen."

Young children and older adults are more likely than others to have ear wax impaction.

Several different things can cause ear wax impaction:

-Diseases that affect the ear – Some health problems can affect the shape of the inside of the ear, and make it hard for wax to move out.  For example, skin problems that cause skin cells to shed a lot can lead to wax build-up in the ears.

-A narrow ear canal – In some people, the ear canals are narrower than in others.  These people might be more likely to have ear wax impaction.  A person's ear canal can become narrower after an ear injury or after severe or multiple ear infections.

-Changes in ear wax and lining due to aging – As people get older, their ear wax gets harder and thicker.  This makes it difficult for the wax to move out of the ear as it should.

-Bad ear-cleaning habits – Some people try to clean their ears using cotton swabs (Q-Tips) or other tools.  This can actually push the wax deeper into the ear instead of getting it out.  Over time, this can cause ear wax impaction.

-Making too much ear wax – Some people make more ear wax than others.  This can happen when water gets trapped in the ear, or when the ear is injured.  But some people have a lot of ear wax for no obvious reason.

There are several treatments to remove impacted ear wax.  Doctors and nurses offer these treatments only to people who have bothersome symptoms.  They do not recommend treatments for removing ear wax in people who have no symptoms, even if their ears are impacted.

In some cases, doctors and nurses will remove ear wax in people whose ears are impacted and who aren't able to let others know if they have symptoms or not.  This can include young children, and people who are confused or have trouble speaking, including some older adults.

There are several different ways to remove ear wax:

-Ear drops – Special ear drops can soften ear wax and help it to drain out.  Ear drops are not usually safe for people with an ear infection or damage to the eardrum.

-Rinsing – In some cases, a doctor or nurse can remove impacted ear wax by squirting water (or a special liquid) into the ear to rinse it out.

-Special tools – A doctor or nurse might use a special tool to remove ear wax.  There are different types of tools that can do this safely.  These include small sticks, hooks, and spoons.  There are also tools that use suction to pull the wax out.

"Ear candling" involves lighting one end of a hollow candle, and putting the other end in the ear.  Ear candling is not recommended for ear wax removal.  It does not work well and can cause injuries or burns.

Return to the Emergency Department for persistent loss of hearing, fever (≥38.0 °C or 100.4 °F), worsening pain, or any new or concerning symptoms.