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Earwax - Management
How do I manage someone with recurrent wax?
- Decide on the most appropriate treatment taking into account the person's wishes, previous successful treatment, and any contraindications.
- Treatment options include: ear drops, irrigation, or referral for manual removal of earwax.
- To prevent wax becoming impacted, advise that regular use of ear drops may be helpful.
- Explain that there is no evidence to suggest the best type of ear drops or how frequently they should be used.
- Experts suggest using either sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, olive or almond oil ear drops. The suggested frequency of use varied from daily to once a fortnight.
- It is not known if such treatment is effective and the person may need to return for repeat wax removal.
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