Earwax symptoms
Earwax symptoms
It is important to exclude causes like wax impaction, particularly if symptoms are of recent onset.
The main symptom of earwax problems is hearing loss, but sometimes the patient complains of discomfort or a sensation that the ears are blocked. The patient may also have ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus) due to wax pressing against the eardrum, and, on rare occasions, vertigo and nausea can occur. The RNID estimates that 2.3 million people each year require earwax removal by a professional.
Recommendations for use of ear drops/sprays to soften earwax
- Do not advise use if you suspect or know that the person has a perforated tympanic membrane (usually determined from previous history)
- Recommend use three to four times a day for three to five days to soften wax and aid removal, if this proves necessary
- Do not recommend almond oil ear drops or sprays to anyone who is allergic to almonds
- Warm the drops before using them (e.g. let the bottle stand in the room for about half an hour or place the bottle in warm water)
- Pour a few drops into the affected ear
- Lie with the affected ear uppermost when putting in drops
- Stay like this for two to three minutes to allow the drops to soak into the ear and the earwax
- Warn the person that instilling ear drops may cause transient hearing loss, discomfort, dizziness and irritation of the skin.