Cerumen is a lubricant which is typically expelled spontaneously from the ear canal but can become impacted when this process fails. Impaction is a common reason for an office visit in the primary care setting which leads to hearing loss, tinnitus, pain and may disrupt a full visualization of the ear canal and tympanic membrane during an otoscopic examination. Ear irrigation/lavage is necessary to remove cerumen impaction in all patients. Regularly evaluate your patients for cerumen impaction as they will be so grateful that they are able to “hear” again after the procedure. Learn the correct method of performing this skill with us.
