Cerumen impaction

Template

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LateralityChoose oneFirst line

FindingChoose one

RemovalChoose one

Ear candlingChoose any

After removalChoose one

DropsChoose any

Follow-upChoose one

Follow-up reasonChoose anyJoins the line aboveNot in the note with these choices

Counseling

Earwax is normal and protects the ear canal; it usually comes out on its own. Recommended supportive care with an emphasis on keeping cotton swabs and other objects out of the ear canal, since they push wax deeper; softening drops can help when wax builds up but should not be used with ear tubes or a hole in the eardrum. Return precautions given including ear pain, drainage, bleeding, hearing concerns, new symptoms, prolonged symptoms, worsening symptoms, and other concerns. Caregiver expressed understanding and agreement with plan. Answered all questions.

Note when inserted as is

Cerumen impaction
• Cerumen obstructing the view of the tympanic membrane
• Removed with a curette; tolerated without complication
• Ear canal and tympanic membrane normal after removal
• Debrox drops as needed for wax buildup
• Follow up as needed

Earwax is normal and protects the ear canal; it usually comes out on its own. Recommended supportive care with an emphasis on keeping cotton swabs and other objects out of the ear canal, since they push wax deeper; softening drops can help when wax builds up but should not be used with ear tubes or a hole in the eardrum. Return precautions given including ear pain, drainage, bleeding, hearing concerns, new symptoms, prolonged symptoms, worsening symptoms, and other concerns. Caregiver expressed understanding and agreement with plan. Answered all questions.

What the sources cover

Impaction before hearing testing; ENT referral when removal is unsafe; discourage ear candling
Obstructing view or symptomatic impaction or nonobstructing (no removal)
Softening drops; not with tubes or perforation
No cotton swabs

Return precautions in the template

ear paindrainagebleedinghearing concerns

Sources

This template was built from clinical practice; no source is linked yet.

Few formal guidelines cover this topic, so the template also leans on expert opinion.