Cerumen impaction – What are the signs and symptoms, relevant dDx., sequelae, work up, and treatment options?

January 5, 2021 5:36 am Published by

Cerumen impaction is a blockage of the ear canal caused by ear wax build up and is most common cause of conductive hearing loss.

Sn. & Sx.:

  • Conductive hearing loss
  • Feeling of aural fullness
  • Otorrhea
  • Otalgia
  • Tinnitus
  • Vertigo

dDx.:

  • Cholesteatoma
  • Osteoma
  • Otitis (AOE, AOM, effusion)
  • Tympanic membrane perforation
  • Otosclerosis
  • Tympanosclerosis
  • Foreign body

Sequelae:

  • Delayed speech development in children 
  • Otitis externa

Work up:

  • Otoscopic exam

Tx.:

  • Cerumenolytic drops
  • Aural irrigation, manual debridement

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This post was written by Omar Rifai