Cerumen in the external ear canal is physiological and composed of sebaceous and ceruminous gland secretions, hair, desquamated epithelial debris, keratin and dirt.

Indications to remove cerumen

•           Difficulty in examining the full tympanic membrane.

•           Conductive deafness.

•           Itching and earache.

•           Occlusion of the external ear canal.

Management

1.      Use wax solvents (paradichlorbenzene 2% solution) to soften hardened wax.

2.      Removal by probe.

3.      Syringing.