Safe, effective techniques for cerumen removal.

Cerumen removal in older patients can prevent serious social withdrawal due to hearing loss or infection due to untreated impaction. The recommended procedure calls for taking a careful history, examining the patient for prior pathology, and using sterile instruments, good lighting, and accepted methods of cerumen removal. Knowing when to stop irrigation and to use ceruminolytic drops or refer to a specialist is key to maximizing patient comfort and minimizing complications.