CERUMEN IMPACTION REMOVAL

Course overview

PRODUCTION OF CERUMEN (EARWAX) IS A NORMAL AND NATURALLY OCCURRING PROCESS. IT PROTECTS THE EAR FROM INFECTION AND PROVIDES A BARRIER TO INSECTS AND WATER. CERUMEN IS TYPICALLY EXPELLED FROM THE EAR CANAL SPONTANEOUSLY VIA NATURAL JAW MOVEMENT. HOWEVER, IN CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS, THIS SELF-CLEANING MECHANISM FAILS, AND CERUMEN CAN BECOME IMPACTED. THIS ACTIVITY DESCRIBES THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF CERUMEN IMPACTION, REVIEWS THE TECHNIQUE INVOLVED IN CERUMEN REMOVAL, AND HIGHLIGHTS THE INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM'S ROLE IN MANAGING AFFECTED PATIENTS.