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Impacted cerumen, right ear
ICD10CM code
#### Name of the Condition
- Impacted Cerumen, Right Ear
- Commonly referred to as earwax blockage or cerumen impaction.
#### Summary
Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. It helps protect the ear from dust, foreign particles, and microorganisms. Impacted cerumen occurs when earwax accumulates and becomes hard, blocking the ear canal, which can affect hearing and cause discomfort.
#### Causes
Impacted cerumen can result from the overproduction of earwax or from unsuccessful removal attempts, such as using cotton swabs or other objects that push the wax further into the canal.
#### Risk Factors
- Use of hearing aids or earplugs
- Narrow ear canals
- Significant ear hair growth
- Skin conditions affecting the ear canal, such as eczema
#### Symptoms
- Earache or feeling of fullness in the ear
- Hearing loss in the affected ear
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Dizziness
- Itchiness or discharge from the ear
#### Diagnosis
- Examination by a healthcare provider using an otoscope to visually inspect the ear canal.
#### Treatment Options
- Ear drops to soften the wax
- Irrigation or syringing with water
- Manual removal using special instruments by a healthcare provider
- These treatments help remove the buildup and restore hearing.
#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
With appropriate treatment, prognosis is excellent, and symptoms are usually resolved quickly. Regular follow-ups may be needed for individuals prone to earwax buildup to prevent recurrence.
#### Complications
Untreated impacted cerumen can lead to ear infections, persistent hearing loss, or damage to the ear canal or tympanic membrane.
#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal.
- Regularly clean the outer ear with a damp cloth.
- Use earwax prevention drops if recommended by a healthcare provider.
#### When to Seek Professional Help
Seek medical attention if experiencing significant hearing loss, severe earache, or discharge, especially if home remedies fail to resolve the issues.
#### Additional Resources
- [American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery](https://www.entnet.org)
- [National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov)
#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the correct laterality is coded; in this case, focus on the right ear.
- Avoid coding for ear pain separately if it’s a direct symptom of the impacted cerumen.