Excess ear wax can sometimes cause a feeling of fullness or blockage and may affect your hearing. Professional ear wax removal can help safely address impacted or excessive ear wax when appropriate.
Book an Ear Wax Removal Appointment
What Is Ear Wax Removal?
Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is naturally produced by your ears and normally helps protect the ear canal. However, wax can sometimes build up and become impacted.
Professional ear wax removal involves assessing the ear and using an appropriate method to safely remove excess wax.
Signs You May Have Excess Ear Wax
You may have ear wax buildup if you experience:
- A blocked or plugged feeling in the ear
- Reduced or muffled hearing
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Changes in hearing that seem to come and go
- Discomfort associated with wax buildup
- Difficulty using hearing aids because of ear wax
What to Expect During Ear Wax Removal
1. Ear assessment
Your hearing professional will examine your ears and determine whether ear wax buildup is present and whether removal is appropriate.
2. Discuss the removal process
The appropriate approach will depend on your individual situation and the condition of the ear.
3. Professional wax removal
Excess wax is removed using an appropriate professional technique.
4. Follow-up recommendations
Your provider can discuss appropriate ear care and what to do if you experience recurring wax buildup.
Why Choose Professional Ear Wax Removal?
Trying to remove ear wax yourself can sometimes push wax deeper into the ear canal. Professional assessment and removal can help ensure that the ear is examined before attempting removal and that the appropriate approach is used.
Ear Wax Removal in Regina
If you're experiencing blocked or muffled hearing and suspect that ear wax may be contributing to the problem, our Regina hearing clinic can assess your ears and determine whether professional ear wax removal is appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ear Wax Removal
Common symptoms of wax or cerumen buildup may include a feeling of fullness, muffled hearing and ringing in the ears. Excess wax also creates an obstruction or blockage of the ear canal which can lead to a temporary conductive hearing loss.
Professional ear wax removal does not usually hurt. Typical methods include microsuction or vacuum, irrigation or flushing, or manual /curettage removal of excess wax. The method used is typically determined by the type of wax present, and how deep in the canal it is. If the wax is quite dry and hard, you will usually be recommended to apply olive oil or something similar to soften the wax. The end goal is complete removal with as little discomfort as possible.
Remember, nothing smaller than your elbow should be inserted into your ear canal. A Q-Tip is smaller than your elbow.
Removal can be as quick as a few minutes and perhaps up to 30-40 minutes.
In most cases, excess earwax can be safely removed at home using olive oil, softening drops and gentle irrigation. At-home removal should never be attempted if you have tubes in the ear, pain, any history of a damaged eardrum or discharge from the ears. When in doubt, consult with your Audiologist, your Physician or a hearing professional.
The ears are very good at self cleaning for most people. If you are prone to stubborn blockages or wear hearing aids, seeing your Audiologist or Physician once or twice a year for routine cleaning may be required.