Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Does Cerumen Impaction Cause Bell's Palsy?
Question: Hi I was wondering if earwax impactipn can cause facial nerve palsy? I have impacted earwax and the more I touch my ear, the more the nerves in my face feel irritated. They are twitchy at times but my face feels clogged up and I have balance issues. I'm concerned this may progress to paralysis.
Brief Answer:
Only in rare cases of Keratosis Obturans. Sensory & motor nerves different.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. A very severe form of wax build up known as Keratosis Obturans can in rare cases cause facial palsy. However, this is an extremely painful condition and cannot be missed.
2. The entire face on each side is supplied sensation by a different cranial nerve (the Trigeminal or fifth Cranial Nerve) and the motor nerve for each side of the face is a different nerve (the Facial or Seventh Cranial Nerve). Hence odd sensations do not equate to impending paralysis.
3. Have you had the left ear cleaned out completely yet?
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Only in rare cases of Keratosis Obturans. Sensory & motor nerves different.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. A very severe form of wax build up known as Keratosis Obturans can in rare cases cause facial palsy. However, this is an extremely painful condition and cannot be missed.
2. The entire face on each side is supplied sensation by a different cranial nerve (the Trigeminal or fifth Cranial Nerve) and the motor nerve for each side of the face is a different nerve (the Facial or Seventh Cranial Nerve). Hence odd sensations do not equate to impending paralysis.
3. Have you had the left ear cleaned out completely yet?
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
No I haven't had complete clean out yet, I was putting ear drops in every day - 5 times a day (olive oil) but my ear started hurting everytime I yawned or did something to make ears pop. It's not hurting today but I am getting tired of the balance issues/ facial discomfort. I can feel the wax in my ears if I put finger in and it's really dark brown
Brief Answer:
Use OTC wax softening drops.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Use OTC wax softening drops instead of olive oil. Put 5 drops 5 times a day for 5 days. Remember to lie down with the left ear up for 5 minutes each time after instilling the drops.
2. Get the ear cleaned after 5 days and all these issues will settle down.
3. The middle part of the ear canal is narrower (the isthumus) and hence a wax plug cannot be pulled out without discomfort an pain unless it is softened.
4. The ears popping is a good sign that the wax is softening. The pain is due to the reasons mentioned in my earlier answers.
5. Cleaning under a microscope with suction (with local anesthesia, if necessary), is an option if you do not want to wait.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Use OTC wax softening drops.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Use OTC wax softening drops instead of olive oil. Put 5 drops 5 times a day for 5 days. Remember to lie down with the left ear up for 5 minutes each time after instilling the drops.
2. Get the ear cleaned after 5 days and all these issues will settle down.
3. The middle part of the ear canal is narrower (the isthumus) and hence a wax plug cannot be pulled out without discomfort an pain unless it is softened.
4. The ears popping is a good sign that the wax is softening. The pain is due to the reasons mentioned in my earlier answers.
5. Cleaning under a microscope with suction (with local anesthesia, if necessary), is an option if you do not want to wait.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Hopefully they will - I have ear drops with urea hydrogen peroxide in. Are these suitable? Can wax travel down to the middle/ inner ear?
Brief Answer:
No hydrogen peroxide. Wax remains outside an intact eardrum.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Hydrogen peroxide drops are no longer in use as they are irritant in nature.
2. Ear wax will not enter the middle ear or inner ear with an intact eardrum.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
No hydrogen peroxide. Wax remains outside an intact eardrum.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Hydrogen peroxide drops are no longer in use as they are irritant in nature.
2. Ear wax will not enter the middle ear or inner ear with an intact eardrum.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Which ingredients/ brand ear drops should I look for? I have Otex
Brief Answer:
Cerumol ear drops.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Cerumol ear drops should be fine.
2. Ask for a similar brand if this is not available.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Cerumol ear drops.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Cerumol ear drops should be fine.
2. Ask for a similar brand if this is not available.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
