Cerumen impaction

Otic preparations are commonly used to treat diseases of the external ear and occasionally of the middle ear. Diseases of the ear include cerumen impaction, dermatitis of the external ear canal, and infectious processes. External otitis (swimmers ear) and chronic otitis media constitute the majority of infectious diseases of the ear. This article gives an overview of otic preparations, their uses, current availability, and the area of future development. 

Cerumen impaction occurs when cerumen, produced by glands in the outer ear canal, fails to wash away and becomes impacted. Cerumenolytics (hydrogen peroxide solution) are used to irrigate the ear canal. Cerumenex, Debrox, olive oil, or mineral oil is used to treat chronic cerumen impaction. 

There are four common ear disorders cemmen impaction, otitis external, otitis media, and vestibular disorders. Cerumen impaction is the overproduction of earwax. Otitis externa and otitis media are infections of the external and middle ear, respectfully. Vestibular disorders include Meniere s disease, labyrinthitis, and inner ear infections. 

Before administration of an otic preparation, the primary health care provider examines the ear and external structures surrounding the ear and prescribes the drug indicated to treat the disorder. The nurse may be responsible for examining the outer structures of the ear, namely the earlobe and the skin around the ear. The nurse documents a description of any drainage or the presence of impacted cerumen. 

Dilute concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (up to 6%) are used as an antiseptic. In this capacity, it can be used as a mouthwash and topical wound cleanser. It is useful in loosening cerumen and clearing its impaction from the auditory canal. Dentists use... 

Cerumenolytics (hydrogen peroxide solution) is used to irrigate the ear canal and loosen impacted cerumen. 

Triethanolamine, an oleic acid derivative with cerumen-olytic properties, is used in impacted cerumen. 

A ceruminolytic medication helps to loosen and remove impacted cerumen (ear wax) from the ear canal. 

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