SYMPTOMS:
- Pain: Wax is the commonest cause of pain in the ear.
- Deafness: Wax is also the commonest cause of conductive deafness which is due to mechanical obstruction, Deafness may be precipitated by water entering the ear while taking bath, which swells the wax.
- Itching: Wax often produces irritation in the ear.
- Giddiness may occur occasionally.
SIGNS: Wax is seen as a brownish-black or yellowish mass filling the external auditory canal partially or totally.
TREATMENT:
Wax Softening agents:
- Sodium bicarbonate drops: Wax is soften by 5% sodium bicarbonate ear drops instilled 5 to 6 times a day for 3 to 8 days.
- 2% paradichlorobenzene with 15% turpentine oil in oily base can be used 3 times a day for at least 3 days for softening wax.
- Hydrogen peroxide can soften the wax, but it should not be used as it may cause severe pain. If the patient has a perforation of the ear drum, bubbles of hydrogen peroxide may enter the middle ear and the mastoid cavity, and lead to mastoiditis.
Removal Of Wax:
- INSTRUMENTATION: It is performed by a wax hook or a vectis which is passed beyond the wax, and then it is pressed against the floor and wax is hooked out. This technique should not be used if it causes pain or if wax is very hard.
- SYRINGING: Syringing is the best way to remove wax after it has been soften by sodium bicarbonate ear drops.
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