An 80-year-old man has hard earwax in his ears, in which case cerumen embolism should be considered. If the cerumen cannot be removed by oneself, it is necessary to use 5% sodium bicarbonate solution to soften it first and then go to the hospital for cleaning. It is not recommended to do this at home to avoid damaging the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane, which may result in adverse consequences.
There are ceruminous glands in the cartilaginous part of the skin of the external auditory canal, which have the function of cerumen secretion. Under normal circumstances, a small amount of cerumen is in the process of dynamic equilibrium, which plays a certain protective effect on the external auditory canal. If an 80-year-old man has not pulled out his ears for a long time, it may cause cerumen blockage and become hard.
In this case, 5% sodium bicarbonate can be used to soften the cerumen, which can be used 3-5 times a day, each time soaking for about 10 minutes. 3-5 days can be partially or completely soften the cerumen, and then go to the otorhinolaryngology department of the hospital, warm saline rinsing, or otorhinoscopic suction suction out. During the operation, care should be taken to move gently to avoid damaging the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane.