A guide to managing disorders of the ear pinna and canal

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doi:10.12788/jfp.0022

Applied Evidence

A guide to managing disorders of the ear pinna and canal

J Fam Pract. 2020 July;69(6):E1-E6 | 10.12788/jfp.0022

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References

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What you’ll see. You may encounter cerumen impaction in an asymptomatic patient when it prevents visualization of the external auditory canal or tympanic membrane, or when a patient complains of conductive hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, ear pain, itching, and cough.¹³ It is found in 1 in 10 children and 1 in 20 adults.¹³ There is a higher incidence in patients who are elderly, are cognitively impaired, or wear hearing devices or ear plugs.^13,14 Asymptomatic cerumen impaction should not be treated. A recent clinical guideline provides a useful “do and don’t” list for patient education (TABLE).¹³

How to treat. In asymptomatic patients, the presence of cerumen on examination is not an indication for removal. Based on current guidelines,¹³ impacted cerumen can safely be removed from the ear canal of symptomatic patients in several ways:

Manual removal with cerumen loop/spoon or alligator forceps. This method decreases the risk for infection because it limits moisture exposure. However, it should be performed by a health care provider trained in its use because of the risk for trauma to the ear canal and tympanic membrane.
Irrigation of the ear using tap water or a 50-50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Irrigation can be achieved with a syringe or jet irrigator using a modified tip. This method also has a risk for trauma to the ear canal and tympanic membrane and should only be performed by appropriately trained health care professionals.
Use of cerumenolytic agents to soften and thin earwax and promote natural extrusion. Several types of cerumenolytic drops (water-based and oil-based) are available and appear to be equally effective. Water-based solutions contain hydrogen peroxide, docusate sodium, acetic acid, and sodium bicarbonate. Oil-based drops may contain peanut, almond, or olive oils. A thorough allergic history should be performed to avoid using products in patients with nut allergies. In head-to-head laboratory comparisons, distilled water appears to be the best cerumenolytic.¹⁵

Foreign bodies

Foreign bodies in the external auditory canal (typically beads, cotton tips, and insects) are more common in children than adults.¹⁶

What you’ll see. Most foreign bodies are lodged in the bony part of the external auditory canal, and many patients try to remove the object before seeking medical care. Removal requires adequate visualization and skill.¹⁷ Although patients may be asymptomatic, most complain of pain, fullness, decreased hearing, or otorrhea.

How to treat. Directly visible objects can often be removed without referral. Suction, irrigation, forceps, probes, and fine hooks have been used. Insect removal can be facilitated by first flooding the canal with xylocaine, alcohol, or mineral oil. Acetone may be used to dissolve foreign bodies containing Styrofoam or to loosen glues. If the object is a button battery, avoid irrigation to prevent liquefaction tissue necrosis.

Continue to: Complications of foreign body removal...