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Risk of otitis externa following manual cerumen removal
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|April 3, 2014
Summary
Manual cerumen removal by otolaryngologists using clean technique does not cause otitis externa (OE). Sterile packaging for cerumen curettes is unnecessary, increasing costs and procedure time.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Recent Joint Commission protocol interpretations have led to interest in sterile packaging for cerumen curettes.
- The risk of otitis externa (OE) following cerumen removal is not well-studied.
- The utility of sterile packaging for cerumen curettes is questionable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the incidence of otitis externa (OE) after manual cerumen removal.
- To evaluate the necessity of sterile packaging for cerumen curettes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 1457 manual cerumen removal episodes.
- Assessment for OE signs/symptoms within 2 weeks post-procedure via phone calls and clinic visits.
Main Results:
- No patients presented with signs or symptoms suggestive of OE within the 2-week post-procedure period.
Conclusions:
- Manual cerumen removal performed with clean technique by otolaryngologists does not lead to OE.
- Sterile packaging of cerumen curettes is not supported by evidence and increases costs and time for this procedure.
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