Earwax impaction: why it needs to be treated in primary care

This article has been double-blind peer reviewed

In this article…

• Prevalence and negative effects of earwax impaction

• Needs of vulnerable patient groups regarding ear care

• How earwax impaction needs to be treated in primary care

Author

Hilary Harkin is ear, nose and throat clinical nurse specialist at the ear, nose and throat outpatient department, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

Abstract

Many people who present to their general practice with impacted earwax are not offered removal services locally, but referred to secondary care, advised to self-care or directed to private services. Earwax impaction can have severe negative effects on health, wellbeing and quality of life. General practices have a duty to offer earwax removal. In addition, patient groups that are vulnerable or unlikely to complain about earwax or loss of hearing - such as children, older people and people with cognitive impairment - need to have their ears and hearing regularly assessed.

Citation

Harkin H (2019) Earwax impaction: why it needs to be treated in primary care. Nursing Times; 115: 8, 38-40.

Key points

Earwax can cause hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus, pain, discharge, infection and cough

Earwax impaction can compound age-related hearing loss

Patients with uncomplicated earwax impaction should be treated in primary care

Patients with loss of hearing that is not due to earwax impaction need to be seen by an audiologist

Children, older people and people with cognitive impairment or learning disabilities need regular ear assessments