Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for an ear wax impaction. This when ear wax builds up enough to cause symptoms. Normally, ear wax helps to protect the insides of the ears and prevents injury or infection. But having too much ear wax can cause symptoms like trouble hearing, pain, hearing a ringing noise, and feeling like the ear is blocked.
Young children and older adults are more likely than others to have ear wax impaction.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●Do not use cotton swabs (Q-Tips) to clean inside your ears. This can actually push the wax deeper into your ear instead of getting it out. Over time, this can cause ear wax impaction.
●If you wear hearing aids, take them out before you go to bed. This can help prevent more ear wax impactions.
●You can dip a cotton ball in mineral oil and place it in your outer ear for 10 to 20 minutes once a week. This helps keep your ear wax soft. It might help prevent another ear wax impaction. Do not push the cotton into your ear canal.
●If you get ear wax impactions often, talk to your regular doctor. You might need to get your ears cleaned regularly by a doctor or nurse.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●Your symptoms are not getting better in 1 to 2 days.
●Your ear starts to bleed or drain pus.
●You have new pain, ringing in your ear, or hearing loss.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Ear wax impaction (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use ear drops (The Basics)
