EARWAX BLOCKAGE

General Information

DEFINITION--Overproduction of earwax (cerumen), causing blockage of the external ear canal. Wax is produced by the ear to protect the canal leading from the eardrum to the outside. The amount of wax produced varies from person to person. Some produce so little wax that it never accumulates. Others produce enough to block the canal every few months.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--External ear canal on one or both sides.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Decreased hearing.
• Ear pain.
• Plugged feeling in the ear.
• Ringing in the ear.

CAUSES--Overproduction of wax by glands in the external-ear canal.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Exposure to dust or debris.
• Family history of overproduction of earwax.
• Water in the ear can cause the wax to swell.
• Use of cotton swabs in an attempt to clean the ear canal.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Avoid areas where the air is dusty or filled with debris. This stimulates overproduction of earwax. Consider wearing earplugs if you must be in this type of environment.
• Monthly use of 1-2 drops of glycerin in the ear may soften the wax and prevent recurrent blockage.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care. Sometimes wax can be removed easily at home with ear drops and irrigation of the ear canal.
• Doctor's treatment if the wax is difficult to remove.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Ear infection.
• Eardrum damage.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Earwax can be removed, but stubborn cases require patience.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----To remove earwax at home:

• Buy non-prescription wax-softening ear drops.
• Lie down with the affected ear toward the ceiling.
• Pull the top of the ear gently up and back toward the back of the head.
• Instill the ear drops; use the amount given in the package directions.
• Leave the drops in the ear for 20 minutes. Continue to lie down, if possible. Plug the ear with cotton.
• Sit up, leaning a little toward the affected side.
• Use a soft rubber bulb syringe to irrigate the ear canal gently with plain warm water or equal parts warm water and hydrogen peroxide.
• Repeat irrigations until the ear feels clear. If the ear doesn't clear, consult your doctor.
• Don't try to remove wax with a stick or cotton swab. You may damage the eardrum or cause infection in the ear canal. Caution--if you have a perforated eardrum, don't try to remove wax, see your doctor.

MEDICATION--For minor pain, you may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of an earwax blockage that does not clear, despite treatment.
• A child younger than 4 has an earwax blockage.
• Fever and ear pain accompany an earwax blockage. Do not irrigate the ear in this case.