Cerumen, also known as earwax, is naturally produced by the glands in the ears to lubricate the ear canals and keep dust and debris from getting too far down in the ear canal.
Cerumen typically clears itself from the ears, but in some instances can accumulate and cause a blockage, especially if you wear earmoulds or hearing aids.
Symptoms of a cerumen blockage include:
- Earache
- Tinnitus (ringing of the ears)
- Decreased hearing
- Feeling of ear fullness
- Dizziness
If a blockage occurs, it may need to be removed. This can be done at home or at your hearing care professional’s office, depending on the size and severity of the blockage.
Our Methods of Ear Wax Removal
1. Micro-Suction
Removing ear wax using micro-suction is the easiest and safest way to have wax removed from your ears. A fine low pressure suction device is inserted into your ear canal to remove the wax. During the procedure, no liquids are used, so there is no mess. The procedure only lasts a few minutes.
2. Mechanical (Curettage)
This procedure is performed when the ear wax is closer to the opening of the ear canal. The ear wax is pulled out using special tools such as ear forceps, wax hook and curette. This procedure is also performed dry.
3. Irrigation
A special ear spray system is used to remove your ear wax. Warm water which is closer to your body temperature is gently sprayed into your ear canal. A container is kept under your ear which collects the water and washed-out ear wax. Traditional irrigation sprays water directly into the ear canal, which can be painful, dangerous and messy. However, our system gently sprays water with three divergent streams which are directed to the ear canal walls which makes this system safe and comfortable.
Earwax Removal Fees at HearCare Audiology
Our earwax removal fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Earwax removal (micro suction) | $100 |
| Assessment only (if no earwax is found) | $30 |
During your appointment, we will first examine your ears to confirm whether an earwax blockage is present. If no earwax removal is needed, only the $30 assessment fee applies.
How to Prepare Before Your Appointment
Preparation is simple, but doing it right can make removal faster and more comfortable.
Recommended preparation steps:
- Use olive oil or mineral oil ear drops for 2–3 days beforehand
- Apply drops once or twice daily to soften wax
- Avoid inserting any objects into the ear
- Bring hearing aids if you wear them
Quick tip: Softened wax is significantly easier to remove using micro-suction, which often reduces appointment time.
At-Home Earwax Removal
In some instances, your physician may send patients home with an at-home earwax removal kit. Earwax removal kits can also be purchased over the counter in most drug stores.
These kits generally consist of a liquid that softens earwax and a small rubber bulb syringe. You will be given directions on how much and how often to apply the liquid to your ear canals, allowing it to sit for a short amount of time in your ears to soften up the earwax. Bubbling and fizzing sensations in your ears are normal with use. You will then use the bulb syringe to gently flush your ears with warm (not hot) water to remove the earwax. It may take several days to completely clear earwax blockages from your ear. There are contraindications to using these kits in some people and with some ear conditions. Before attempting at-home earwax removal, it is advised to speak with your hearing care provider to be sure it is safe for you.
Earwax Removal Methods to Avoid
People commonly use cotton swabs to try and remove earwax or dislodge a blockage. However, this can sometimes cause more problems as cotton swabs may push the blockage further down into the ear canal, risking even more damage to the ear.
Cotton swabs themselves can also be accidentally inserted too far into the ear canal and can compact wax further or puncture your eardrum.
Physicians generally agree that cotton swabs are a bad idea for removing earwax and should only be used on the outer portions of your ear. You should never insert cotton swabs or any small object into your ear canal.
If you experience pain or discomfort as a result of earwax or suspect you have a blockage, it’s important that you see your hearing health professional as soon as possible to address the issue. Removing earwax doesn’t have to be painful and should bring you relief.