A non-randomized comparison of earwax removal with a 'Do-it-yourself' ear vacuum kit and a Jobson-Horne Probe

Objectives:  Do‐it‐yourself ear vacuum kits (ear vacs) have recently been introduced as an effective method of earwax removal. This study assesses the efficacy of ear vacs in comparison with a conventional mechanical method of earwax removal, the Jobson‐Horne probe. Methods:  Forty healthy relatives...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical otolaryngology 2005-08, Vol.30 (4), p.320-323
Main Authors: Leong, A.C., Aldren, C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Cerumen
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Otoscopy
Therapeutic Irrigation - methods
Vacuum
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Summary:Objectives:  Do‐it‐yourself ear vacuum kits (ear vacs) have recently been introduced as an effective method of earwax removal. This study assesses the efficacy of ear vacs in comparison with a conventional mechanical method of earwax removal, the Jobson‐Horne probe. Methods:  Forty healthy relatives who had accompanied family members to orthopaedic and haematology clinics were screened with otoscopy. Sixteen participants with earwax were selected. Main outcome measures:  (i) Weight of earwax removed, (ii) proportion of tympanic membrane visible before and after each intervention, (iii) participants’ subjective assessment of any improvement in hearing. Suction pressure generated by the ear vac was also compared with that of microsuctioning. Results:  No earwax was removed with the ear vac but the Jobson‐Horne probe was significantly more effective at removing a greater weight of earwax (P 
ISSN:1749-4478
1749-4486
DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2273.2005.01020.x