Can cerumen impaction be observed with the naked eye?
Disease description:
My best friend’s hearing has been muffled these past few days. She went to the hospital for an examination, and the diagnosis was cerumen impaction. Can cerumen impaction be seen with the naked eye?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Gang
This indicates an excessive accumulation of earwax, resulting in ear canal obstruction; consequently, perception of external sounds decreases, leading to reduced hearing—observable with the naked eye. Earwax is typically expelled naturally during chewing or mouth-opening movements. Alternatively, cerumenolytic (earwax-softening) agents may be used; once softened, the wax can often be removed in a single procedure. Patients should visit a reputable hospital’s Department of Otolaryngology for further evaluation to rule out ear inflammation—such as otitis media—or other ear-related conditions.
