WWHAM questions

Who is it for? It may not be the customer who needs the treatment. Children under 12 years and anyone with severe pain should be referred to the pharmacist.

What are the symptoms? Symptoms such as discharge from the ear may indicate that the customer has an infection.

How long have the symptoms been present? Prolonged hearing difficulties or tinnitus may be symptoms of a more serious condition.

Action already taken? Find out if the customer has already tried to remove ear wax with a cotton bud or other object, as this may have pushed the wax further down the ear canal.

Medication? It is important to refer customers who are taking other medicines or who have established hearing problems.

When to refer to the pharmacist

• Ear wax €“ children under 12 years; if there is earache or if no improvement has been seen after three days of treatment
• Otitis media €“ always refer
• Otitis externa €“ if symptoms persist after treatment, are severe or are accompanied by foul-smelling discharge
• Earache with fever, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, discharge or severe deafness.