Earwax is normal and often clears on its own.
The skin of the ear canal naturally moves outward from the eardrum, carrying earwax with it. Chewing and talking help support this movement. In many cases, this process keeps the ears clear without any treatment.
However, earwax can sometimes build up or become impacted. Hearing aids, earbuds, earplugs, and cotton swabs can interfere with the ear's natural clearing process. Narrow ear canals may also slow wax movement, and earwax often becomes drier with age.
When earwax becomes trapped, it may cause muffled hearing, itching, a feeling of fullness, or difficulty with hearing aids, including whistling or reduced performance.
Methods of removal
At Webster Audiology, earwax may be removed using irrigation, manual instruments, or a combination of both.
Irrigation uses a controlled stream of body-temperature water directed along the ear canal to loosen and remove softer wax. This method is often appropriate when wax has accumulated or settled too deeply to clear on its own.
Manual removal is performed under direct visualization using a small instrument called a curette. This allows firmer wax to be removed carefully in small pieces. Manual removal is also preferred when irrigation is not appropriate, such as in patients with a perforated eardrum, recent ear surgery, or an active ear infection.
Sometimes, a combination of the two is utilized.
What to expect during the visit
The appointment begins with an examination of the ear canal to assess the amount, depth, and consistency of the earwax. When appropriate, removal is performed during the same visit.
Many patients notice improvement in hearing or comfort soon after the wax is removed. Sometimes the wax is the whole story, and hearing returns the moment it is out. When it is not, you are already in the right place to find out what is. If a hearing test is scheduled, the ear canal should be clear beforehand, and both services can often be completed during the same appointment.
For patients with hard or dry wax, over-the-counter wax-softening drops used for a few days before the visit may make removal easier. Drops should not be used if there is ear pain, drainage, a known perforation of the eardrum, or a history of ear surgery unless they have been recommended by a clinician.
When to schedule earwax removal
Earwax removal (a professional ear cleaning) may be appropriate if you are experiencing:
- Muffled or blocked hearing
- Itching or a sensation of fullness in the ear
- Hearing aids that whistle, cut out, or fit poorly
- Earwax noted during a physical examination
- An upcoming hearing test
- Frequent use of hearing aids, earbuds, earplugs, or similar devices