Ear wax - please help

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ISuckAtLife

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If I have patients come in with recurrent ear wax, should I recommend they use over the counter Debrox?

When is it appropriate for me to refer them to ENT?

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If I have patients come in with recurrent ear wax, should I recommend they use over the counter Debrox?

When is it appropriate for me to refer them to ENT?

Debrox works ok and has minimal risk. It should not be used in anyone with a tympanic perforation or PE tubes, but for most people it is a reasonable first option. I usually tell my patients to buy the Debrox kit with both the cerumenolytic drops and the irrigating bulb to flush their ears. If that doesn't work, they can come in to the office for cleaning.

Any patient who you don't feel comfortable treating or don't want to deal with is an appropriate referral to ENT in my opinion. In the private practice world at least, no one is going to be mad at you for sending them business.
 
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