Cerumen Impaction and Hearing Issues in the Elderly
Cerumen, commonly known as earwax, can affect hearing when it becomes impacted. The elderly population is more susceptible to cerumen impaction.
Due to age-related degenerative changes in physiological functions, many older adults may already have pre-existing hearing loss. As they can still manage daily activities, this often goes unnoticed. However, when cerumen impaction occurs in individuals with existing hearing impairment, even a minor blockage can lead to significant hearing problems.
Statistical data indicate that the incidence of cerumen impaction ranges from 7% to 35%, varying across different age groups. Approximately 10% of children and 5% of adults experience cerumen impaction, while the elderly population shows the highest susceptibility, with about 57% affected.
Several factors contribute to the higher incidence of cerumen impaction in older adults:
1.Weakened muscle tone, reduced temporomandibular joint mobility, and collapse of the external auditory canal opening hinder natural cerumen expulsion.
2.With aging, the elasticity and toughness of the auricle decrease, and the skin becomes drier, making cerumen more concentrated and hardened, thus more likely to cause blockages.
3.Some elderly individuals develop thicker and longer hair growth in the ear canal directed toward the eardrum, increasing the risk of cerumen impaction.
Cerumen plays a vital role in protecting the ears and hearing. It acts as a defensive barrier by trapping external particles such as dust and bacteria, while its distinct odor helps deter insects. Additionally, it provides acoustic damping by attenuating loud sounds before they reach the eardrum, thus reducing potential damage to hearing.
Frequent ear cleaning is not recommended. People often use sharp objects such as ear picks or cotton swabs, which can damage the ear canal wall. Improper use or accidental bumps during cleaning may injure the skin of the ear canal or even puncture the eardrum if inserted too deeply, leading to otitis media or hearing loss.
If you experience ear pain, tinnitus, or a feeling of fullness, it is advisable to seek professional medical help for ear cleaning. Never attempt to remove cerumen impaction on your own. Patients can visit a hospital where doctors can remove the impaction using a cerumen hook or irrigate the ear canal after applying ear drops to soften the cerumen.
Precautions for patients with cerumen impaction:
1.Prevent water from entering the ears during bathing or swimming to reduce the risk of ear canal infections.
2.Avoid using cotton swabs for self-cleaning, as this may push cerumen deeper into the canal.
3.Refrain from vigorous or frequent ear cleaning.
4.Do not visit unregulated ear-cleaning establishments, where improper techniques or inadequate sterilization may cause bacterial infections.
5.Patients with recurrent cerumen impaction should schedule regular check-ups and professional cleanings at medical facilities.