There mere presence of cerumen (earwax) does not necessarily warrant its removal nor should we want for it to become completely impacted (plugged) before addressing it.
Wax naturally moves outward but depending on the unique shape of the ear canal or other personal or environmental factors, cerumen can become impacted and struggle to clear on it’s own. Earwax is normal and necessary. It protects the ear canal, helps prevent infections, keeps the skin moisturized, traps insects and debris, and helps clean the ear.
Here are the 10 most common reasons cerumen management (wax removal) should be done:
- Your healthcare professional is having difficulty examining and visualizing the tympanic membrane (eardrum)
- Otitis Externa (inflamation or ear infection)
- Occlusion of the external canal (ear canal is plugged with earwax)
- Conductive hearing loss caused by excessive cerumen
- Prior to taking ear impressions for custom hearing aids, earmolds or hearing protection
- Suspected external ear canal or middle ear cholesteatoma
- Suspected external ear canal pathology
- As part of a follow up to Canal Wall Down (CWD) Mastoidectomy
- As part of middle ear surgery
- Client request – simply feeling “full” or “plugged”
Contact us today to learn more and inquire if cerumen management might be necessary for you.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
