Cerumen-impaction management for clients of all ages.

A cerumen plug in the external auditory canal can cause dizziness, pain, itching, ringing or decreased hearing. These symptoms are particularly distressing to elderly clients who may already have compromised hearing or be experiencing changes in functional ability. A cerumen plug that causes hearing impairments can retard children's educational and psychosocial development. This article focuses on the physiology of cerumen, the risk factors of cerumen plugs and the best way to remove cerumen in clients of all ages. The contraindications and complications of aural lavaging and instrument removal of cerumen are discussed. An ear-irrigation flow sheet is also included for ambulatory clinical use.