earwax

Glands in the ear canal make this sticky wax to trap dust and germs and keep the canal moist. It usually moves out of the ear on its own. When it builds up and blocks the canal (impacted cerumen), it can cause muffled hearing, fullness or ringing, and it is a common reason for hearing loss in older adults.

Teach clients not to put cotton swabs or objects into the ear canal, since they push wax deeper. Ear irrigation is done only as ordered and not when the eardrum may be torn.