Cerumen Impaction

Cerumen impaction, also known as earwax impaction or earwax blockage, is a condition where earwax (cerumen) accumulates in the ear canal and causes a blockage.

Causes

The main cause of cerumen impaction is the overproduction of earwax or the improper removal of earwax from the ear canal. Other factors that can contribute to cerumen impaction include:

• Using cotton swabs (Q-tips) to clean the ears, which can push earwax deeper into the ear canal
• Wearing earplugs or hearing aids, which can trap earwax in the ear canal
• Narrowing of the ear canal due to aging, injury, or infection
• Excessive hair in the ear canal

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerumen impaction can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:

• Hearing loss or muffled hearing
• Ear fullness or pressure
• Itching or discomfort in the ear canal
• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Ear pain or tenderness

Diagnosis

Cerumen impaction is typically diagnosed through a physical examination of the ear canal using an otoscope. The doctor may also perform a hearing test to assess any hearing loss.

Treatment

The treatment for cerumen impaction usually involves removing the excess earwax from the ear canal. This can be done using:

• Ear drops, such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, to help soften and loosen the earwax
• Irrigation of the ear canal with warm water to flush out the earwax
• Manual removal of the earwax using a specialized instrument, such as an ear curette or suction device

Prevention

To prevent cerumen impaction, it is recommended to:

• Avoid using cotton swabs (Q-tips) to clean the ears
• Use ear drops regularly to help soften and loosen earwax
• Avoid wearing earplugs or hearing aids for extended periods
• Get regular ear check-ups with a doctor to monitor earwax buildup

Complications

If left untreated, cerumen impaction can lead to complications such as:

• Permanent hearing loss
• Ear infections
• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
• Vertigo or dizziness

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is cerumen impaction?
Cerumen impaction is a condition where earwax builds up in the ear canal and blocks it.

What are the symptoms of cerumen impaction?
Symptoms may include hearing loss, ear fullness, itching, and discomfort.

How common is cerumen impaction?
It is relatively common, affecting approximately 10% of adults and a higher percentage of older adults.

Who is at risk for cerumen impaction?
Older adults, people with hearing aids or earplugs, and those with excessive earwax production are at higher risk.

Can cerumen impaction cause infections?
Yes, it may increase the risk of ear infections if bacteria accumulate in the blocked ear canal.

How is cerumen impaction diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically made through visual examination with an otoscope and sometimes tympanometry.

Can cerumen impaction be treated at home?
Generally not recommended, as improper removal can push wax further into the ear canal.

What are common treatments for cerumen impaction?
Treatments include ear irrigation, manual removal by a healthcare professional, and over-the-counter ear drops.

Can cerumen impaction be prevented?
Possibly, by avoiding the use of cotton swabs for ear cleaning and using earwax dissolving agents periodically.

Are there any potential complications of cerumen impaction?
Potential complications include eardrum perforation, hearing loss, and ear infections if left untreated.