Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Earwax Impaction: Symptoms, Predisposing Factors and Perception among Nigerians

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4311346/

  Earwax impaction is a common ear disorder with presentation worldwide. […] This study revealed high prevalence rate of 20.1% in southwestern part of Nigeria. High recurrent cases of 66.1% earwax impaction were also recorded in this study. […] The prevalence of cerumen impaction varies greatly, approximately 10% of the children, 5% of normal healthy adults, up to 57% of older patients in nursing homes, and 36% of patients with mental retardation. […] Earwax impaction is a major health problem worldwide affecting about 6% of the general population and a main cause of primary care consultations and common co-morbidity in otolaryngology clinic. […] The knowledge of the predisposing factors could tremendously reduce the prevalence of earwax impaction and its associated complications. […] Predominant factors predisposing to earwax impaction were obsessive ear cleaning and soapy water rinsing of the ear canal during bath in 325 (74.4%) and 268 (61.3%) patients, respectively. […] A large percentage of our patients indulge in self-ear cleaning with various objects because they believe earwax is harmful.

• #1 Cerumen impaction: Prevalence and associated factors in the United States population

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10958939/

  Cerumen impaction is highly prevalent in the US population, especially among older adults, and has disproportionate sociodemographic impacts. […] The prevalence of any cerumen impaction was 18.6% among individuals 12 years and 32.4% among those 70 years. […] In a nationally representative sample of the US population, we observed an 18.6% prevalence of any cerumen impaction among individuals 12 years and 32.4% prevalence among adults 70 years. […] Our study demonstrated high prevalence of cerumen impaction in the United States, especially among older adults. […] The identification of higher-risk populations can guide future education efforts and ultimately improve health equity and access to care for cerumen impaction. […] Our findings suggest that complete cerumen impaction can increase hearing thresholds.

• #1 Cerumen Impaction: Diagnosis and Management | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2018/1015/p525.html

  Cerumen impaction is a common reason for consultation with primary care physicians and is present in about 10% of children, 5% of healthy adults, up to 57% of older persons in nursing homes, and one-third of patients with mental retardation. […] Cerumen-related procedures accounted for nearly $50 million in Medicare spending in 2012. […] The diagnosis of cerumen impaction is made by direct visualization with an otoscope. […] A study of 819 children one month to 12 years of age presenting with upper respiratory infection or for a well-child visit examined whether cerumen affected the diagnosis of acute otitis media. […] Approximately 50% of children with acute otitis media had cerumen impaction that prevented the initial diagnosis. […] Patients with coagulopathies, hepatic failure, thrombocytopenia, or hemophilia and those taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications should be counseled about the increased risk of bleeding in the external auditory canal when cerumen is removed. […] Cerumen impaction is a common reason for consultation with primary care physicians and is present in about 10% of children, 5% of healthy adults, up to 57% of older persons in nursing homes, and one-third of patients with mental retardation.

• #1 Earwax – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earwax

  Excess or compacted cerumen is the buildup of ear wax causing a blockage in the ear canal and it can press against the eardrum or block the outside ear canal or hearing aids, potentially causing hearing loss. […] The prevalence of impacted earwax is different across the world. […] In the United Kingdom 2 to 6% of the population have cerumen that is impacted. In America 3.6% of emergency visits caused by ear issues were due to impacted cerumen. In Brazil 8.4-13.7% of the population have impacted cerumen.

• #1 Earwax Blockage: Symptoms, Causes & Removal

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14428-ear-wax-buildup–blockage

  Cerumen impaction is the medical term for earwax blockage. Earwax blockage can happen to anyone. About 10% of children and 5% of adults have it. […] Impacted cerumen is more likely to occur in people who: Use hearing aids, earplugs or earbuds. […] If left untreated, excessive earwax may cause earwax impaction symptoms to worsen. […] Your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination. During this visit, theyll look into your ears with a special instrument, called an otoscope, to see if earwax buildup is present. […] If a healthcare provider has to remove earwax from your ears more than once a year, ask them what they suggest to stop earwax from building up. […] Though impacted cerumen is annoying and inconvenient, it usually isnt dangerous. Still, you should call a healthcare provider if you notice impacted earwax symptoms like ear pain, dizziness or hearing loss.

• #1 Impacted Earwax | Cedars-Sinai

  https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/i/impacted-earwax.html

  Impacted earwax is very common. As you get older, earwax tends to become harder and less mobile. Older adults are more likely to have problems with too much earwax. […] You may be at increased risk if you have a health condition that can cause increased earwax buildup, such as eczema. […] Certain health conditions make it more likely to have impacted earwax.

• #1 Ear wax – symptoms, causes and treatment | healthdirect

  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ear-wax

  Ear wax build-up is not a medical condition unless it causes symptoms. If it builds up too much it can be uncomfortable and on rare occasions, can cause temporary hearing loss. […] Signs and symptoms of ear wax build-up include: a full feeling in the ear, earache and pain, or itchiness usually if there is an infection, ringing noises (also known as tinnitus), hearing problems, dizziness. […] Ear wax builds up when the self-cleaning process in your ear is disrupted. If wax builds up, it can become impacted (hard). […] Some people are born with narrow ear canals or their ear canal may have an abnormal shape, which can get in the way of the ear’s natural self-cleaning process. […] You should see a doctor if you have a build-up of ear wax and you think your ears might be infected, you have hearing loss in one or both ears, you’ve had ear surgery or an injured eardrum in the past, your ear hasn’t cleared up after 5 days.

• #1 Cerumen – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/cerumen/print

  Cerumen accumulation can affect up to 6 percent of the general population and a much higher percentage of persons with cognitive impairment. Excessive or impacted cerumen is present in approximately 1 in 10 children, 1 in 20 adults, and 1 in 3 older adults. In the United States, cerumen accumulation leads to 12 million patient visits and 8 million cerumen removal procedures annually.

• #1 Impacted Earwax

  https://encyclopedia.nm.org/Library/HealthSheets/3,S,90287

  Impacted earwax is very common. […] Older adults are more likely to have problems with earwax buildup. […] Health conditions that can cause earwax buildup include: bony blockage in the ear (osteoma or exostoses), infections, such as an outer ear infection (external otitis), skin disease, such as eczema, autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, a narrowed ear canal from birth, chronic inflammation, or injury, too much earwax because of injury, too much earwax because of water in the ear canal. […] In some cases, the cause of impacted earwax is not known. […] Contact your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of impacted earwax.

• #1 Treating Minor Ear Problems

  https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/treating-minor-ear-problems

  The prevalence of minor ear problems is impossible to determine with accuracy, but surveys confirm that 50% to 66% of the population has cerumen impaction.1-3 […] Patients more prone to cerumen impaction include those who zealously engage in earwax removal activities, those with a tortuous ear canal, those who overproduce cerumen, the elderly (whose cerumen is drier), patients with mental retardation, and those with spinal cord injury.1,4 Further, males are more prone to cerumen impaction, as the hair lining the external auditory meatus is more coarse than in females.5

• #1 Treatment of impacted ear wax: a case for increased community-based microsuction | BJGP Open

  https://bjgpopen.org/content/4/2/bjgpopen20x101064

  Excess earwax is a very common problem, with figures estimating a prevalence of between 700 000 and 2 million adults in England and Wales. […] Requests for the removal of ear wax are a very common reason for presentation in primary care. In the US, approximately 150 000 wax removals are performed each week. […] A more recent study suggested that 2.3 million ear irrigations are performed in England and Wales every year. […] Funding for treatment of impacted earwax is variable across clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence(NICE) guidance recommends ear wax removal should be performed in primary care, although without a commissioned service, GPs are under no obligation to do so. […] High set up cost and training requirements make provision of microsuction at individual practice level unfeasible, however many CCGs have funded community-based microsuction services.

• #1 Cerumen Impaction | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2007/0515/p1523.html

  Cerumen impaction is present in approximately 10 percent of children, 5 percent of normal healthy adults, up to 57 percent of older patients in nursing homes, and 36 percent of patients with mental retardation. […] Cerumen removal is the most common ear, nose, and throat (ENT) procedure performed in primary care; approximately 4 percent of primary care patients will consult their physician for cerumen impaction. […] The body of evidence on treatment of cerumen impaction is limited, highlighting a need for well-designed, randomized trials to better inform clinical practice. […] Impaction is a common cause of hearing impairment in older patients and in patients with mental retardation; therefore, it is reasonable to evaluate for cerumen impaction in patients with hearing problems. […] In one study, 35 percent of hospitalized patients older than 65 years had cerumen impaction and 75 percent of those had improved hearing after documented earwax removal. […] Current evidence suggests that the use of ceruminolytics may improve irrigation success by as much as 97 percent. […] Overall, no ceruminolytics appeared to be superior to saline, making saline an inexpensive first-line agent.

• #1 Ear Wax Blockage (Cerumen Impaction) | Student Health and Counseling Services

  https://shcs.ucdavis.edu/health-topic/ear-wax-blockage-cerumen-impaction

  Ear wax blockage, also called cerumen impaction, is a common cause of temporary hearing loss. […] The ear canal can become blocked with wax if too much wax is produced or if the ear is cleaned improperly. […] Monthly use of 1-2 drops containing glycerin or carbamide peroxide in the ear may soften the wax and prevent recurrent blockage.

• #1 What To Do When Earwax Becomes a Problem

  https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/safe-earwax-removal/

  Some people are more prone to producing excessive earwax. A waxy buildup is particularly common in older adults. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO), approximately 1 in 20 adults experience a buildup of earwax, and its even more common in older adults. About 12 million people seek medical care for earwax problems each year. […] If these measures dont clear out the bad stuff, see your health care provider to remove a blockage. Its not uncommon to have a buildup after using cotton swabs because the tip tends to plow earwax was deeper, Nguyen-Huynh says. Do that over time and you will build up a big clump of wax, called an impacted cerumen, which is difficult to remove, especially if it is hard and dry. […] One study found that 35 percent of hospitalized patients over age 65 had impacted earwax and 75 percent of those had improved hearing after it was removed. Some experts estimate that removing an earwax plug can improve hearing by 10 decibels. […] There may be a link between earwax blockage and brainpower. In a small 2014 study, Japanese researchers found significant improvements in hearing as well as in cognitive ability among elderly patients with memory disorders after impacted earwax was removed from their ears.

• #1 Hidden Dangers of Impacted Ear Wax – ENT LDN

  https://entlondon.org.uk/blogs/the-hidden-dangers-of-impacted-ear-wax-why-timely-removal-matters/

  Ear wax blockage can impair hearing as sound waves struggle to penetrate the obstructed ear canal. […] Impacted ear wax may disrupt the delicate balance mechanisms within the inner ear, causing dizziness or vertigo. […] Recognizing the signs of impacted ear wax and addressing them promptly is crucial in preventing these complications. […] The significance of timely ear wax removal lies in preventing the escalation of issues associated with impacted ear wax. […] Delaying ear wax removal can have cascading consequences, impacting immediate comfort and long-term health. […] By understanding the potential consequences of delay, individuals are empowered to prioritize timely ear wax removal as an essential component of their overall health and well-being.

• #1 Earwax Removal Near You in Boise, ID – Ear Cleaning Boise – How ENTs Clean Ears – Professional Earwax Removal

  https://boiseent.com/ear-cleaning-boise-ear-wax-removal-near-you/

  Earwax blockage can lead to a variety of symptoms, including decreased hearing, muffled sounds, dizziness, ear pain, or a ringing sensation in the ears (tinnitus). These symptoms can be caused by a buildup of earwax that blocks the ear canal, affecting hearing and causing discomfort. […] Hearing aid and earplug users have a higher incidence of earwax blockage than others. […] In cases of severe earwax buildup or if home remedies don’t provide relief, it may be necessary to consult with a ENT specialist near you. An ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor or an otolaryngologist can provide professional ear cleaning services and safely remove the earwax. […] If you are experiencing any of the following and have tried to remove the earwax yourself it could be necessary to book a consultation with an ENT specialist near you to help remove the earwax and assess to make sure that is the only issue going on with your ears.

• #1 All About Earwax: Essential Tips for Ear Health and Hygiene

  https://enticare.com/2020/12/15/all-about-earwax/

  Excessive earwax remaining in the ears can lead to ear wax blockage, which can be harmful. […] If earwax is not properly removed and stays in the Ear, it can cause: […] Earwax blockage can cause symptoms like pain and discomfort, and it is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

• #1 Ear wax management in primary care: what the busy GP needs to know | British Journal of General Practice

  https://bjgp.org/content/73/727/90

  Cerumen (or earwax), a self-cleaning agent, protects the outer ear. Sometimes this does not work and wax gets impacted, blocking the ear canal. This is a major reason for primary care consultation. Hearing difficulty due to untreated wax impaction can lead to social isolation and depression. Yet there is little quality evidence to guide practice for such a common condition. Further, people find it difficult to access NHS earwax services. This article provides new data on symptoms and severity, and reviews management options and patient preferences. […] Up to 44% of care home residents with dementia also have impacted earwax and about 2.3 million people/year in the UK have troublesome earwax requiring removal. […] A Healthwatch Oxfordshire survey revealed that adults with earwax required 14 NHS visits prior to attending a dewaxing clinic, that time from symptoms to resolution was 330 weeks, and that microsuction required additional visits and longer waits. […] A significant number of people fail to get the care they need for earwax removal and there is an urgent need for such a service in primary care. […] Further evidence on the delivery of such a service is urgently required.

• #1 Cerumen impaction: Prevalence and associated factors in the United States population

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10958939/

  Contrary to what is frequently reported by patients and in nonprimary sourced literature, after adjusting for relevant factors there was no association between the presence of tinnitus and cerumen impaction. […] Cerumen impaction is associated with hearing loss and disproportionately impacts individuals based on social determinants of health and SES, particularly minority race, lower education, and public insurance.

• #1 Ear Wax Blockage – American Academy of Audiology

  https://www.audiology.org/consumers-and-patients/hearing-and-balance/ear-wax-blockage/

  When too much ear wax is produced, or prevented to work out of the ear canal, ear wax or cerumen can build up enough to block the canal. If the wax obstructs the canal completely it can inhibit hearing. […] Hearing aid wearers, especially those who have tight fitting or solid parts down into the canal may produce more ear wax. The body identifies the hearing aid as a foreign body and produces more wax to push it out. […] A trained audiologist is the best professional to see, some state licensure laws prevent some to practice this specialty, so it is important to check state laws. […] An audiologist and other medical professionals use an otoscope to look into the ear canal. […] If your ears have a full-like or clogged sensation, you may have an ear wax blockage. Find an audiologist near you to help remove your blockage and to put an at-home plan in place for ear wax removal.

• #1 Earwax Impaction in the Elderly: Symptoms & Causes – Quest Healthcare

  https://www.questhealthcare.net/earwax-impaction-symptoms-causes/

  Earwax impaction is a relatively common disorder experienced by approximately 20% of people at some point during their lifetime, and its particularly prevalent in the elderly. One study showed that 65.6% of residents in a skilled nursing facility have had cerumen impaction in at least one ear. […] According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology up to two-thirds of people in assisted living suffer from earwax impaction. […] Between 60% and 70% of hearing aids sent in for repair are damaged as a result of excess earwax build up.

• #1 Ear wax Information | Mount Sinai – New York

  https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/ear-wax

  Wax blockage is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. […] The ear may become blocked with wax again in the future. Hearing loss is often temporary. In most cases, hearing returns completely after the blockage is removed. Hearing aid users should have their ear canal checked for excess wax every 3 to 6 months. […] See your provider if your ears are blocked with wax and you are unable to remove the wax. Also contact your provider if you have an ear wax blockage and you develop new symptoms, such as: Drainage from the ear, Ear pain, Fever, Hearing loss that continues after you clean the wax.

• #1 Earwax (Cerumen Impaction) – ENT Health

  https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/earwax-cerumen-impaction/

  Symptoms of an earwax problem may include: […] Wax blockage is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. […] If home treatments do not help, or if wax has accumulated so much that it blocks your ear canal and your ability to hear, an ENT specialist may prescribe eardrops designed to soften wax, or they may wash or vacuum it out. […] If you are prone to repeated wax impaction or use hearing aids, consider seeing your doctor every six to 12 months for a checkup and routine preventive cleaning.

• #1 The Dangers of Excessive Earwax | Scientific American

  https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-dangers-of-excessive-earwax/

  Hearing-aid users should have regular ear checks every three to six months, the guidelines suggest. People with dementia should also have earwax removed regularly. […] The effects in the elderly can be immediate. A small 2014 study by Japanese researchers found significant improvements in hearing and cognitive performance in elderly patients with memory disorders when impacted cerumen was removed. […] Too often, though, earwax in the elderly goes unnoticed.

• #1 Earwax Blockage, Onalaska, Wisconsin – Mayo Clinic Health System

  https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/onalaska/services-and-treatments/otorhinolaryngology/ear-conditions-and-treatment/earwax-blockage

  Earwax blockage occurs when earwax accumulates in your ear or becomes too hard to wash away naturally. […] If earwax blockage becomes a problem, you or your doctor can take simple steps to remove the wax safely. […] Signs and symptoms of earwax blockage may include: […] If you’re experiencing the signs and symptoms of earwax blockage, talk to one of our ear experts. […] Wax removal is most safely done by a healthcare provider. […] Children usually have their ears checked as part of any medical examination. […] Our ENT providers can remove excess wax using a small, curved instrument or by using suction while inspecting the ear.

• #1 Ear wax build up – RNID

  https://rnid.org.uk/information-and-support/ear-health/common-ear-conditions/ear-wax-build-up/

  Ear wax build-up can affect anyone. Although those who have narrow ear canals or wear hearing aids may be more likely to have ear wax build-up. […] National guidelines recommend that GPs offer wax removal if the ear wax build-up is causing problems. […] We at RNID know that many people have been unable to access wax removal services on the NHS and we’re campaigning to change this. Find out more about our campaign to ensure clear, safe advice and treatment for ear wax removal is available on the NHS.

• #1 Treatment of impacted ear wax: a case for increased community-based microsuction | BJGP Open

  https://bjgpopen.org/content/4/2/bjgpopen20x101064

  Increased provision of microsuction in the community would seem to be a useful approach in improving safety, particularly with an ageing demographic. […] A recent study in Ireland has shown favourable results with respect to patient satisfaction when comparing a GP-led community microsuction service to traditional hospital-based provision.

• #1 Got an ear full? Here’s some advice. – Harvard Health

  https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/got-an-ear-full-heres-some-advice-for-ear-wax-removal

  Earwax, a bodily emanation that many of us would rather do without, is actually pretty useful stuff in small amounts. […] An ear canal plugged up with earwax can cause earaches, infections, and other problems. […] Guidelines from the American Academy of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery stress a let-it-be attitude toward earwax and warn against removal unless the earwax is causing a problem. […] Earwax that picks up a lot of debris or sits in the ear canal for a long time can get hard and dry, so it’s more likely to cause a blockage. […] You can get medical help to remove a blockage; earwax removal is the most common otolaryngologic procedure performed in American primary care settings. […] A clinician tackles an earwax blockage in pretty much the same way as a do-it-yourselfer, but with more expertise and with a better view. […] Hearing aids, which block the normal migration of earwax out of the ear, may also stimulate glands in the ear canal to produce more secretions.

• #1 Earwax blockage – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/earwax-blockage/symptoms-causes/syc-20353004

  Earwax blockage occurs when earwax (cerumen) builds up in your ear or becomes too hard to wash away naturally. […] If earwax blockage becomes a problem, your health care provider can take simple steps to remove the wax safely. […] Earwax blockages often happen when people try to get earwax out on their own by using cotton swabs or other items in their ears. This usually just pushes wax deeper into the ear, rather than removing it.

• #2 Earwax Blockage: Symptoms, Causes & Removal

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14428-ear-wax-buildup–blockage

  Cerumen impaction is the medical term for earwax blockage. Earwax blockage can happen to anyone. About 10% of children and 5% of adults have it. […] Impacted cerumen is more likely to occur in people who: Use hearing aids, earplugs or earbuds. […] If left untreated, excessive earwax may cause earwax impaction symptoms to worsen. […] Your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination. During this visit, theyll look into your ears with a special instrument, called an otoscope, to see if earwax buildup is present. […] If a healthcare provider has to remove earwax from your ears more than once a year, ask them what they suggest to stop earwax from building up. […] Though impacted cerumen is annoying and inconvenient, it usually isnt dangerous. Still, you should call a healthcare provider if you notice impacted earwax symptoms like ear pain, dizziness or hearing loss.

• #2 Impacted Earwax | Cedars-Sinai

  https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/i/impacted-earwax.html

  Impacted earwax is very common. As you get older, earwax tends to become harder and less mobile. Older adults are more likely to have problems with too much earwax. […] You may be at increased risk if you have a health condition that can cause increased earwax buildup, such as eczema. […] Certain health conditions make it more likely to have impacted earwax.

• #2 Earwax Removal Near You in Boise, ID – Ear Cleaning Boise – How ENTs Clean Ears – Professional Earwax Removal

  https://boiseent.com/ear-cleaning-boise-ear-wax-removal-near-you/

  Earwax blockage can lead to a variety of symptoms, including decreased hearing, muffled sounds, dizziness, ear pain, or a ringing sensation in the ears (tinnitus). These symptoms can be caused by a buildup of earwax that blocks the ear canal, affecting hearing and causing discomfort. […] Hearing aid and earplug users have a higher incidence of earwax blockage than others. […] In cases of severe earwax buildup or if home remedies don’t provide relief, it may be necessary to consult with a ENT specialist near you. An ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor or an otolaryngologist can provide professional ear cleaning services and safely remove the earwax. […] If you are experiencing any of the following and have tried to remove the earwax yourself it could be necessary to book a consultation with an ENT specialist near you to help remove the earwax and assess to make sure that is the only issue going on with your ears.

• #2 Impacted Earwax

  https://encyclopedia.nm.org/Library/HealthSheets/3,S,90287

  Impacted earwax is very common. […] Older adults are more likely to have problems with earwax buildup. […] Health conditions that can cause earwax buildup include: bony blockage in the ear (osteoma or exostoses), infections, such as an outer ear infection (external otitis), skin disease, such as eczema, autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, a narrowed ear canal from birth, chronic inflammation, or injury, too much earwax because of injury, too much earwax because of water in the ear canal. […] In some cases, the cause of impacted earwax is not known. […] Contact your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of impacted earwax.

• #2 Earwax blockage – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/earwax-blockage/symptoms-causes/syc-20353004

  Earwax blockage occurs when earwax (cerumen) builds up in your ear or becomes too hard to wash away naturally. […] If earwax blockage becomes a problem, your health care provider can take simple steps to remove the wax safely. […] Earwax blockages often happen when people try to get earwax out on their own by using cotton swabs or other items in their ears. This usually just pushes wax deeper into the ear, rather than removing it.

• #2 Cerumen Impaction: Diagnosis and Management | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2018/1015/p525.html

  Cerumen impaction is a common reason for consultation with primary care physicians and is present in about 10% of children, 5% of healthy adults, up to 57% of older persons in nursing homes, and one-third of patients with mental retardation. […] Cerumen-related procedures accounted for nearly $50 million in Medicare spending in 2012. […] The diagnosis of cerumen impaction is made by direct visualization with an otoscope. […] A study of 819 children one month to 12 years of age presenting with upper respiratory infection or for a well-child visit examined whether cerumen affected the diagnosis of acute otitis media. […] Approximately 50% of children with acute otitis media had cerumen impaction that prevented the initial diagnosis. […] Patients with coagulopathies, hepatic failure, thrombocytopenia, or hemophilia and those taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications should be counseled about the increased risk of bleeding in the external auditory canal when cerumen is removed. […] Cerumen impaction is a common reason for consultation with primary care physicians and is present in about 10% of children, 5% of healthy adults, up to 57% of older persons in nursing homes, and one-third of patients with mental retardation.

• #2 What To Do When Earwax Becomes a Problem

  https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/safe-earwax-removal/

  Some people are more prone to producing excessive earwax. A waxy buildup is particularly common in older adults. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO), approximately 1 in 20 adults experience a buildup of earwax, and its even more common in older adults. About 12 million people seek medical care for earwax problems each year. […] If these measures dont clear out the bad stuff, see your health care provider to remove a blockage. Its not uncommon to have a buildup after using cotton swabs because the tip tends to plow earwax was deeper, Nguyen-Huynh says. Do that over time and you will build up a big clump of wax, called an impacted cerumen, which is difficult to remove, especially if it is hard and dry. […] One study found that 35 percent of hospitalized patients over age 65 had impacted earwax and 75 percent of those had improved hearing after it was removed. Some experts estimate that removing an earwax plug can improve hearing by 10 decibels. […] There may be a link between earwax blockage and brainpower. In a small 2014 study, Japanese researchers found significant improvements in hearing as well as in cognitive ability among elderly patients with memory disorders after impacted earwax was removed from their ears.

• #2 6 things you need to know about earwax removal | UCLA Health

  https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/6-things-you-need-know-about-earwax-removal

  Earwax removal is the most common otolaryngologic (ear and throat) procedure performed by primary care physicians (PCPs) in the United States. […] About 5% of adults have excessive or impacted earwax. Some people naturally produce more earwax than others. […] If earwax build-up is common for you, your health care provider may recommend removing it regularly at home before it becomes impacted.

• #2 Wax Blockage Of The Ear Canal – Harvard Health

  https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/wax-blockage-of-the-ear-canal-a-to-z

  Normal production of earwax is healthy and good for your ears. If too much wax is being produced, it can block the ear, but more commonly, the ear becomes blocked because of improper ear care and ear cleaning. […] Earwax blockage, also called cerumen impaction, is a common cause of temporary hearing loss. […] A doctor or nurse can help when home treatments fail to relieve a wax blockage. […] Earwax blockages usually can be removed, and don’t cause any lasting problems.

• #2 Hidden Dangers of Impacted Ear Wax – ENT LDN

  https://entlondon.org.uk/blogs/the-hidden-dangers-of-impacted-ear-wax-why-timely-removal-matters/

  Ear wax blockage can impair hearing as sound waves struggle to penetrate the obstructed ear canal. […] Impacted ear wax may disrupt the delicate balance mechanisms within the inner ear, causing dizziness or vertigo. […] Recognizing the signs of impacted ear wax and addressing them promptly is crucial in preventing these complications. […] The significance of timely ear wax removal lies in preventing the escalation of issues associated with impacted ear wax. […] Delaying ear wax removal can have cascading consequences, impacting immediate comfort and long-term health. […] By understanding the potential consequences of delay, individuals are empowered to prioritize timely ear wax removal as an essential component of their overall health and well-being.

• #2 The Dangers of Excessive Earwax | Scientific American

  https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-dangers-of-excessive-earwax/

  Hearing-aid users should have regular ear checks every three to six months, the guidelines suggest. People with dementia should also have earwax removed regularly. […] The effects in the elderly can be immediate. A small 2014 study by Japanese researchers found significant improvements in hearing and cognitive performance in elderly patients with memory disorders when impacted cerumen was removed. […] Too often, though, earwax in the elderly goes unnoticed.

• #2 Ear wax management in primary care: what the busy GP needs to know | British Journal of General Practice

  https://bjgp.org/content/73/727/90

  Cerumen (or earwax), a self-cleaning agent, protects the outer ear. Sometimes this does not work and wax gets impacted, blocking the ear canal. This is a major reason for primary care consultation. Hearing difficulty due to untreated wax impaction can lead to social isolation and depression. Yet there is little quality evidence to guide practice for such a common condition. Further, people find it difficult to access NHS earwax services. This article provides new data on symptoms and severity, and reviews management options and patient preferences. […] Up to 44% of care home residents with dementia also have impacted earwax and about 2.3 million people/year in the UK have troublesome earwax requiring removal. […] A Healthwatch Oxfordshire survey revealed that adults with earwax required 14 NHS visits prior to attending a dewaxing clinic, that time from symptoms to resolution was 330 weeks, and that microsuction required additional visits and longer waits. […] A significant number of people fail to get the care they need for earwax removal and there is an urgent need for such a service in primary care. […] Further evidence on the delivery of such a service is urgently required.

• #2 Earwax Impaction in the Elderly: Symptoms & Causes – Quest Healthcare

  https://www.questhealthcare.net/earwax-impaction-symptoms-causes/

  Earwax impaction is a relatively common disorder experienced by approximately 20% of people at some point during their lifetime, and its particularly prevalent in the elderly. One study showed that 65.6% of residents in a skilled nursing facility have had cerumen impaction in at least one ear. […] According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology up to two-thirds of people in assisted living suffer from earwax impaction. […] Between 60% and 70% of hearing aids sent in for repair are damaged as a result of excess earwax build up.

• #2 Got an ear full? Here’s some advice. – Harvard Health

  https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/got-an-ear-full-heres-some-advice-for-ear-wax-removal

  Earwax, a bodily emanation that many of us would rather do without, is actually pretty useful stuff in small amounts. […] An ear canal plugged up with earwax can cause earaches, infections, and other problems. […] Guidelines from the American Academy of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery stress a let-it-be attitude toward earwax and warn against removal unless the earwax is causing a problem. […] Earwax that picks up a lot of debris or sits in the ear canal for a long time can get hard and dry, so it’s more likely to cause a blockage. […] You can get medical help to remove a blockage; earwax removal is the most common otolaryngologic procedure performed in American primary care settings. […] A clinician tackles an earwax blockage in pretty much the same way as a do-it-yourselfer, but with more expertise and with a better view. […] Hearing aids, which block the normal migration of earwax out of the ear, may also stimulate glands in the ear canal to produce more secretions.

• #2 Earwax (Cerumen Impaction) – ENT Health

  https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/earwax-cerumen-impaction/

  Symptoms of an earwax problem may include: […] Wax blockage is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. […] If home treatments do not help, or if wax has accumulated so much that it blocks your ear canal and your ability to hear, an ENT specialist may prescribe eardrops designed to soften wax, or they may wash or vacuum it out. […] If you are prone to repeated wax impaction or use hearing aids, consider seeing your doctor every six to 12 months for a checkup and routine preventive cleaning.

• #2 Ear wax build up – RNID

  https://rnid.org.uk/information-and-support/ear-health/common-ear-conditions/ear-wax-build-up/

  Ear wax build-up can affect anyone. Although those who have narrow ear canals or wear hearing aids may be more likely to have ear wax build-up. […] National guidelines recommend that GPs offer wax removal if the ear wax build-up is causing problems. […] We at RNID know that many people have been unable to access wax removal services on the NHS and we’re campaigning to change this. Find out more about our campaign to ensure clear, safe advice and treatment for ear wax removal is available on the NHS.

• #2 Treatment of impacted ear wax: a case for increased community-based microsuction | BJGP Open

  https://bjgpopen.org/content/4/2/bjgpopen20x101064

  Increased provision of microsuction in the community would seem to be a useful approach in improving safety, particularly with an ageing demographic. […] A recent study in Ireland has shown favourable results with respect to patient satisfaction when comparing a GP-led community microsuction service to traditional hospital-based provision.

• #2 Can a Hearing Test Detect Earwax Blockage? – Innovative Hearing Care

  https://drteeleinnovativehearing.com/can-a-hearing-test-detect-earwax-blockage/

  One of the most common symptoms is a sudden or gradual decrease in hearing, often described as muffled or clogged. […] This occurs because the earwax obstructs the passage of sound waves to the eardrum. […] Additionally, impacted earwax can cause ear discomfort, a feeling of fullness in the ear, itching and even pain. […] In some cases, it may lead to tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing noise in the ear or vertigo, a sensation of dizziness and imbalance. […] One of the primary causes of earwax impaction is the use of cotton swabs or other objects to clean the ears. […] While many people use these tools in an attempt to remove earwax, they often push the wax deeper into the ear canal, compacting it against the eardrum. […] This can lead to a blockage that affects hearing and causes discomfort.

• #3 Impacted Earwax

  https://austinregionalclinic.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Library/Encyclopedia/134,545

  Impacted earwax is very common. As you get older, earwax tends to become harder and less mobile. Older adults are more likely to have problems with too much earwax. […] You may be at increased risk if you have a health condition that can cause increased earwax buildup, such as eczema. You may also increase your risk if you keep putting objects in your ear, such as a hearing aid. Older adults and people with thinking (cognitive) problems also have an increased risk. […] Certain health conditions make it more likely to have impacted earwax.

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