This document discusses ear wax accumulation, also known as cerumen impaction. It defines ear wax accumulation as the buildup of ear wax inside the ear canal. Some causes listed include structural defects, old age, and using ear plugs. Signs and symptoms include fullness in the ear, ringing in the ear, dizziness, itching, ear pain, odorous ear discharge, and hearing difficulty. Diagnosis involves a history and physical exam using an otoscope. Management includes irrigation with warm water or warmed oils followed by suction or instrumentation to remove the ear wax.

1. Mr. Manikandan.T,
RN., RM., M.Sc(N)., D.C.A .,(Ph.D)
Assistant Professor,
Dept. of Medical Surgical Nursing,
VMCON, Puducherry.

2. DEFINITION
• Accumulation of ear wax inside the ear canal

3. CAUSES
• Structural defect
• Old age
• Using ear plugs

4. CLINICAL FEATURES
• Fullness of ear
• Ringing in ear
• Dizziness
• Itching
• Ear pain
• Odorous ear discharge
• Hearing difficulty

5. DIAGNOSIS
• H.C
• P/E
• Otoscope

6. MANAGEMENT
• Irrigation- warm water
• Warmed glycerin, mineral oil / half strength
hydrogen peroxide into ear canal for 30
minutes before irrigation
• Suction – aural suction
• Instrumentation – cerumen curette