Wax & Cerumen
Cerumen, or wax as it is commonly known, is a normal secretion of the ceruminous glands in the outer ear canal, commonly located in the hair bearing portion of the ear canal. It is slightly acidic, giving bactericidal qualities in both its wet, sticky or dry, flaky forms. Wax extrudes the ear canal by epithelial migration, jaw movement assists the movement of wax to the entrance of the ear canal where it emerges onto the skin. A small amount of wax is normally found in the canal and its absence may be a sign that dry skin conditions, infection or excessive cleaning have interfered with the normal production of wax.
It is only when there is an accumulation of wax preventing the visualization of the tympanic membrane that removal is necessary.
A build-up of wax is likely to occur all age groups, but more so in children and older people and those with learning difficulties, hearing aid users, people who insert implements into the ears, especially cotton buds or have narrow canals.
Excessive wax should be removed before it becomes impacted and then cause problems.
Excessive, impacted wax can cause:
Hearing loss
Infection with discharge (Keratosis Obturans)
pain
Tinnitus
Vertigo/Dizziness
Therefore, where any of these symptoms occur, the ears should be examined to determine the extent of wax impaction and removed appropriately.
WAX REMOVAL
This is done to treat and or prevent the above complications affecting people. This may resolve the symptoms, however, where they persists after wax removal, referral to an ENT Specialist and Audiologist may be indicated for further assessment and management.
There are several methods of wax removal, commonly:
Syringing
Using wax hook or other instruments
Microsuction
Out of the above 3 methods, Microsuction is the safest and considered to be the gold standard for dewaxing ears.