Ear Wax naturally migrates from the middle aspect of the canal outward.
- Like a good stove, the ear is “self-cleaning.”
- Movement of the jaw assists with the nature migration outward.
- So, anything that interferes with this process can lead to impaction.
- Anatomic anomalies (ex, stenotic ear canals seen with Down’s Syndrome)
- Excess cerumen production
- Ear Plugs
- Cotton-Tip Applicators
- Commonly associated with ear wax impaction [Macknin, 1994]
- Do more harm by pushing ear wax deeper and leaving cotton fibers behind.
- Good to reinforce avoiding the use of these, or any objects, to insert into the ear canal.
- Foreign Bodies
- Hearing Aids