Epidemiology of cerumen impaction among municipal kindergartens children in Wuhan, China

Objective: To investigate the epidemiology of cerumen impaction among children of municipal kindergartens in Wuhan.

Methods: The ear canal of children of municipal kindergartens in Wuhan was examined using an electric otoscope by the same otologist in 2005, 2006 and 2012, with age, gender, ears and the nature of cerumen (dry cerumen or wet cerumen) recorded. A chi-square test was performed to investigate for significant differences between cerumen impaction rates and the recorded variables.

Results: A total of 1,214, 1863 and 5205 children were examined in 2005, 2006 and 2012, and cerumen impaction prevalence rates for each year were 17.2%, 15.4% and 10%, respectively. Prevalence of cerumen impaction was significantly lower in 2012 than in 2005 or 2006. In 2005, dry cerumen impaction accounted for 22.2% of the total dry cerumen, while wet cerumen impaction only accounted for 5% of the total wet cerumen, showing a statistically significant difference.

Conclusion: The prevalence of cerumen impaction among children of kindergartens in Wuhan is higher than 10%, and children with dry cerumen are more prone to cerumen impaction. Annual otological examination of kindergarten children is recommended. And improved community ear health promotion activities should reduce the avoidable prevalence of cerumen impaction in pediatric population.