Name:_________________________________________________ Score:______________________

Year Level: _______________ Date:_______________________

Quiz on Cerumen Impaction

Write your final answer before the number.

True or False.

1. Cerumen forms when glandular secretions from the inner one-third of the ear canal mix
with exfoliated squamous epithelium.

2. Cerumen is a mixture of secretions from modified apocrine sweat glands and sloughed
epithelial cells and a normal substance present in the external auditory canal.

3. Hearing loss from cerumen impaction can range from 5 to 40 dB depending on the degree
of occlusion of the canal.

4. Clinicians should diagnose cerumen impaction when an accumulation of cerumen is

associated with symptoms or prevents needed assessment of the ear or both.

5. Irrigation with tap water has been implicated as an etiologic factor in cases of acute otitis
externa.

Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following is not associated with cerumen impaction:

A. Hearing Loss and Tinnitus B. Fullness and Itching
C. Otalgia and Discharge D. Odor and Cough
E. Only C and D F. None of The Above

2. Which of the following are treatment options for cerumen impaction:

A. Observation B. Cerumenolytic Agents
C. Ear canal irrigation D. Ear Candling
E. A, B, and C F. All of The Above

3. Physical examination of the external canal can be performed using which of the following:
A. Otoscope B. Handheld speculum
C. Binocular Microscope D. Only A and B
E. All of The Above F. B and C

4. Which of the following is not a risk factor for cerumen impaction:

A. Ear Canal Stenosis B. Chronic Otitis External
C. Exostoses D. Diabetes Mellitus
E. All of The Above F. None of The Above

5. All of the following are water-based cerumenolytic agents except:

A. Acetic Acid B. Choline Salicylate
C. Sodium Bicarbonate D. Hydrogen Peroxide
E. Only B and C F. None of The Above