What should you look for if wax is present but the tympanic membrane is partially visible?

When wax is present but the tympanic membrane is partially visible, it is appropriate to continue with the examination. This approach allows for a complete assessment of the ear while still keeping in mind the presence of wax. Partial visibility of the tympanic membrane indicates that there may be important clinical findings to evaluate, such as signs of otitis media or other pathologies beyond the obstructing wax.

Continuing the examination can also help determine if the wax is impacting hearing or causing any symptoms. If the examination reveals clear pathology or concerns unrelated to the wax, further management can then be decided based on the findings. It is beneficial to gather as much information as possible in a single visit rather than prematurely deciding to remove all wax or stopping the examination entirely.