Wax blockage
Alternative names:
cerumen impaction; ear blockage; ear impaction; ear wax
Treatment:
Most cases of ear wax blockage respond to home treatment. Mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, or commercial drops can be used to soften wax in the ear. Detergent drops such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide may aid in the removal of wax.
Another method to remove wax is irrigation of the ear. Body-temperature water should be used (cooler or warmer water may cause a response consisting of brief but severe dizziness or vertigo). With the head upright, straighten the ear canal by holding the external ear and gently pulling upward. Use a syringe to gently direct a small stream of water against the ear canal wall next to the wax plug. Tip the head to allow the water to drain. Irrigation may need to be repeated several times.
Never irrigate the ear if the eardrum is not known to be intact, because irrigation with a ruptured eardrum may cause ear infection or acoustic trauma. Do not irrigate the ear with a jet irrigator designed for cleaning teeth (such as a WaterPik) because the force of the irrigation may damage the eardrum.
After the wax is removed, the ear should be dried thoroughly. A few drops of alcohol in the ear or a hair dryer set on low may be used to aid in drying.
If attempts to remove the wax plug are unsuccessful, consult the health care provider, who may remove the wax by repeating the irrigation attempts, suctioning the ear canal, or removing wax with a small device (curette). Occasionally, the wax must be removed with microscopic visualization.
Expectations (prognosis):
Wax blockage of the ear usually responds well to removal attempts, but may recur. Hearing loss is usually temporary and recovery after removal of the blockage is usually complete.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if the ears are blocked with wax and attempts to remove the wax are unsuccessful.
Also call if earwax blockage has been present and new symptoms develop, especially drainage from the ear, persistent or severe ear pain, fever, or persistent hearing loss.
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