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Earwax - Management
When should I refer?
- Refer if:
- The person has (or is suspected to have) a chronic perforation of the tympanic membrane.
- There is a past history of ear surgery.
- There is a foreign body, including vegetable matter, in the ear canal.
- Ear drops have been unsuccessful and irrigation is contraindicated.
- Irrigation is unsuccessful.
- Seek immediate advice from an Ear Nose and Throat specialist if severe pain, deafness, or vertigo occur during or after irrigation, or if a perforation is seen following the procedure.
- Refer or seek urgent advice if infection is present and the external canal needs to be cleared of wax, debris, and discharge.
In depth
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