Significance of Ear Wax Impaction in School Children

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of school children with impacted ear wax.

Patients and methods: The subjects included representative sample of 1344 seven to ten years old school children attending I-IV grade of primary school in community Kalesija, Bosnia and Herzuegowina. Methods were parental interview and otoscopy.

Results: Three hundred and twenty eight children (24.4%) had ear wax impaction. There were not significant differencies in prevalence of ear wax impaction in boys and girls. Use of cotton-tipped swabs did not caused production of more ear wax.

Conclusion: Routine correct removal of ear wax is recommended because watchfull waiting is possible erroneus and potentially dangerous.