EarWaxRemoval SoCal’s Otolaryngology Experts
Earwax is essential for keeping ears clean and healthy, but when it builds up excessively or becomes impacted, it can cause pain, hearing loss, dizziness, and discomfort. Many over-the-counter remedies can do more harm than good, and improper removal methods—like cotton swabs or ear candling—can push wax deeper into the ear or even damage the eardrum.
At Southern California Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy (SoCal ENT), our board-certified ENT specialists provide safe, effective, and professional ear wax removal using advanced techniques that protect your ear health. Our team takes a gentle, precise approach, using specialized tools and technology to remove wax without risk to your hearing. If you’re struggling with ear blockage, discomfort, or muffled hearing, schedule a consultation today.
Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance that protects the ear canal by trapping dust, debris, and bacteria. It also prevents dryness and irritation inside the ear. While the body usually clears out excess wax on its own, some people produce too much wax, harder wax, or wax that doesn’t naturally expel, leading to blockage and discomfort.
Professional ear wax removal offers a quick, safe, and effective way to clear the ear canal when wax buildup interferes with your hearing or causes irritation. Unlike forceful flushing methods, which can push wax deeper or damage the eardrum, our specialists use microscope-guided techniques to carefully extract earwax while protecting the delicate structures of your ear.
At SoCal ENT, we use precise techniques to safely remove excess or impacted earwax. The procedure begins with an examination of your ear canal using an auriscope (a small camera) to assess the amount and consistency of wax buildup. Our specialists then determine the best removal method based on your specific needs.
For minor wax buildup, we use a curette, a small, loop-shaped instrument designed to gently scoop out excess wax without irritating the ear canal. This method allows for precise removal and is completely painless in most cases.
For more significant wax buildup or impacted cerumen, we use a gentle suction device to carefully extract the wax without putting pressure on the eardrum. This is often the best method for patients with narrow ear canals or sensitive ears.
When wax is hardened or deep inside the ear canal, we may use a softening solution made with diluted hydrogen peroxide. This helps break down the wax before using gentle suction to clear the blockage.
The procedure is guided with a high-resolution microscope, ensuring a thorough yet gentle cleaning that does not harm the ear.
When earwax becomes impacted, it can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as:
Built-up wax can press against the eardrum, causing pain or fullness in the ear.
Wax blockages can prevent sound waves from reaching the inner ear, leading to temporary hearing loss.
Excessive earwax can intensify ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ear.
Wax pressing against the eardrum and balance structures can cause dizziness or balance issues.
Impacted earwax can stimulate the vagus nerve, triggering an unexplained cough reflex.
Many patients describe feeling like their ear is "clogged" or underwater.
If you experience any of these symptoms, professional ear wax removal is a quick treatment that provides immediate relief.
Unlike at-home remedies that can push wax deeper or cause damage, professional treatment ensures safe and complete wax removal without risk to your ear’s delicate internal structures.
This quick, in-office treatment offers an immediate improvement in hearing and can also address issues like dizziness, ringing, and other pressure-related symptoms caused by ear wax buildup. Additionally, ear wax removal can protect your long-term ear health, reducing the risk of infections and irritation.
If you experience hearing loss, ear pain, ringing, or a plugged sensation, you may have impacted earwax that requires removal. People with narrow ear canals, frequent ear infections, or hearing aids are also more likely to experience wax buildup and may benefit from regular professional cleanings.
At SoCal ENT, our specialists assess your symptoms and determine whether ear wax removal is the right solution for you. If wax buildup is not the issue, we’ll provide a full evaluation to identify the cause of your symptoms and recommend the best treatment.
After professional ear wax removal, you will notice an immediate improvement in your hearing and overall ear comfort. Many patients describe a clearer, more open sensation, as sound can travel freely to the eardrum without obstruction. If you are experiencing muffled hearing, pressure, or ringing in your ears, these symptoms often resolve instantly following the procedure.
Ear wax removal can improve hearing and relieve pain, dizziness, and a persistent feeling of fullness. If impacted wax is affecting your balance or triggering tinnitus, removing it can bring noticeable relief. The results are long-lasting, but if you are prone to frequent wax buildup, our specialists can recommend a personalized care plan to help maintain your ear health. With expert care, you can enjoy crisp, clear hearing and lasting comfort with every visit.
No, the procedure is typically painless. If the wax is deeply impacted, you may feel slight discomfort, but our specialists ensure a gentle and safe experience.
Most ear wax removal appointments take just a few minutes from start to finish.
Yes. Our specialists use microscope-guided techniques to ensure safe and effective removal without damaging the ear canal or eardrum.
We do not recommend cotton swabs, ear candles, or forceful water irrigation, as these methods can push wax deeper into the ear canal or cause injury.
Most people do not require regular ear wax removal, but those with frequent buildup, hearing aids, or narrow ear canals may benefit from periodic cleanings.
