11
What are
the potential
risks and
side effects?
Small amount
of cerumen
could progress
to impaction.
None reported Temporary
dizziness, pain,
and/or ear
drum rupture.
Trauma to
the ear canal
skin leading
to bleeding
or infection,
discomfort
from the
instruments
or noise of the
suction, and/
or rare tinnitus
or hearing loss
from the noise
of the suction.
What usually
happens
in the long
term?
Nothing Cerumen may reaccumulate and require additional
treatment.
Are there
any special
precautions?
None at this
time.
Should seek
medical attention
if excessive pain
or discomfort or
loss of hearing is
noticed.
NOT
recommended
for patients
with PE tubes,
non-intact
ear drum, and
susceptible to
ear infection.
(See KAS 2B)
Cautious
when treating
patients who
are taking
blood thinners
and susceptible
to bleeding
easily.
Table 5. Shared Decision Grid For Patients and Caregivers
For Cerumen Management (cont'd)
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Observation
(KAS 3b)
Cerumenolytic
Agents
(KAS 6)
Irrigation
(KAS 7)
Manual
removal
(KAS 8)
