Ear wax
Emergency and immediate referrals
Referral to Emergency Department
If any of the following are present or suspected, please refer the patient to the emergency department (via ambulance if necessary) or seek emergency medical advice if in a remote region:
Immediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange an immediate ENT assessment (seen within 7 days) for:
To contact the relevant service, please see HealthPathways: Acute ENT Assessment
| Presenting issues |
|
Patients with resistant ear wax after recommended treatment, and at least one of the following:
- Significant hearing loss, pain, discharge, dizziness/vertigo, or facial weakness
|
| Mandatory referral information (referral will be returned if this information is not included) |
|
History
- Relevant medical history
- Details of previous treatment and outcome
- Degree of functional impairment e.g. quality of life
Examination
Investigations
- Results of hearing tests (where available and providing it will not cause significant delay)
- Result of syringing or micro suction or reason why contraindicated
If unable to attach reports, please include relevant information/findings in the body of the referral
Referrer to state reason if not able to include mandatory information in referral (e.g. patient unable to access test due to geographical location or financial cost)
|
| Highly desirable referral information |
|
|
Indicative triage category
| Indicative triage category |
Category 1
Appointment within 30 days |
|
Category 2
Appointment within 90 days |
|
Category 3
Appointment within 365 days |
- Residual ear wax despite treatment with no other complications
|
Last reviewed: 24-05-2023
More information
Email: DOHSpecialistRAC@health.wa.gov.au