Ear Treatment

WAX

1. Wax in the ear is a very common issue. Wax is secreted by the ceruminous glands and sebaceous glands presenting the cartilaginous part of the external auditory canal. Ceruminous glands are also called modified sweat glands.

2. The sebaceous glands secrete fluids rich in fatty acids while the ceruminous glands secrete fluids rich in lipids and pigment granules.

3. These secretions mix with desquamated epithelial cells and keratin shed from the deep bony meatus and the tympanic membrane to form wax.

4. Wax protects the ear canal by lubricating the ear canal and entraps any foreign material that tries to enter the canal. Normally, a very small amount of wax is secreted in each ear.

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Symptoms Include :
  • Hearing impairment: Patients usually complain of hearing impairment or blocked ear.
  • Pain due to mild Otitis Externa.
  • Vertigo.
  • Reflex cough due to stimulation of the auricular branch of the Vagus nerve.
  • Long-standing impacted wax results in ulceration of the meatal skin and granuloma formation called a wax granuloma.
Treatment Includes :
  • 1. Wax-softening ear drops are instilled 6 to 8 times a day for 4-5 days.
  • 2. Removal of wax by:
    • Syringing of the ear with the help of an aural syringe and warm saline or water.
    • Removal of wax by jobson horne probe with a ring curette. Here the curette is passed distal to the wax and the wax is pulled out.
    • Wax granuloma may be required to be removed under general anesthesia.