A number of conditions may increase the risk of cerumen (ear wax) impaction.
Risk factors for cerumen impaction:
(1) narrow external auditory canal
(2) hearing aid
(3) use of cotton swabs in the ear
(4) ear plugs
(5) exostoses or osteomas of the external auditory canal
(6) anatomic abnormalities of the external ear canal
(7) history of head and neck radiation
(8) dermatologic condition affecting the external auditory canal
(9) history of cerumen impaction
If a patient has one or more of these risk factors, then evaluation of the ears may be indicated.
If the patient has cerumen impaction, then modifiable risk factors should be addressed.
