Our board-certified ENT specialists offer safe and effective ear wax removal with advanced techniques that prioritize your ear health. Trust in our professional care to ensure a comfortable and precise experience.
Ear wax, or cerumen, plays an important role in protecting your ears—but when it builds up, it can cause discomfort, hearing loss, or even infection. At the Southern California Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy (SoCal ENT) in Palm Springs, our specialists provide safe, effective ear wax removal using advanced tools and techniques designed to protect your ear health and restore clear hearing.
At SoCal ENT, our board-certified ENT specialists and audiologists provide expert evaluation and precise treatment, ensuring your ears are cleaned safely and comfortably.
We tailor every procedure to the individual, addressing contributing factors like ear anatomy, skin conditions, or prior ear infections to prevent recurring buildup. Our approach combines medical expertise with gentle care, so you leave with clear hearing and feel relief almost immediately.
Ear wax is produced naturally to trap dust, debris, and bacteria, keeping the ear canal clean and healthy.
Normally, it works its way out on its own—but for some people, the wax becomes impacted, leading to symptoms such as:
Factors such as narrow ear canals, frequent headphone use, or the use of cotton swabs can make impaction more likely. At SoCal ENT, we help determine what’s causing the buildup and provide personalized treatment to restore balance and comfort.
Your appointment begins with a microscopic examination of the ear to assess the amount and type of wax. Depending on your needs, our specialists may use one or a combination of these gentle methods:
A specialized tool allows for careful removal under magnification, ensuring precision and minimizing damage.
For larger wax buildup or impacted cerumen, we use a gentle suction device to carefully remove the wax without stressing the eardrum. This method is ideal for those with narrow ear canals or sensitive ears.
If ear wax is hardened or lodged deep in the canal, a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution can be used to soften it. This process makes it easier to gently suction and remove the blockage.
The entire procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes and provides immediate improvement in hearing and comfort. Most patients experience no downtime and can resume normal activities right after treatment.
Impacted earwax can lead to discomfort, including:
Excessive earwax may press on the eardrum, leading to discomfort or a sense of fullness in the ear.
Wax blockages can stop sound waves from reaching the inner ear, causing temporary hearing loss.
Too much earwax can make ringing, buzzing, or hissing noises in your ear worse.
Excess earwax pressing on the eardrum and balance structures may lead to dizziness or balance problems.
Earwax buildup can press on the vagus nerve, sometimes causing an unexpected cough reflex.
Patients often say their ear feels "clogged" or like it's underwater.
Professional ear wax removal is a fast treatment that offers instant relief.
Professional treatment safely removes earwax, protecting your ear's delicate structures, unlike at-home remedies that might push wax deeper or cause harm.
This simple, in-office procedure instantly enhances hearing while tackling dizziness, ringing, and other pressure-related issues from ear wax buildup. Removing ear wax also safeguards your long-term ear health by lowering the chances of infections and irritation.
Experiencing hearing loss, ear pain, ringing, or a plugged sensation may indicate impacted earwax that needs removal. Individuals with narrow ear canals, a history of frequent ear infections, or those who use hearing aids are more prone to wax buildup and may benefit from routine professional cleanings.
At SoCal ENT, our team evaluates your symptoms to see if ear wax removal is needed. If wax isn't the problem, we conduct a thorough assessment to find the root cause and suggest the most suitable treatment.
Professional ear wax removal can significantly enhance your hearing and ear comfort. Many find that sounds become clearer and more distinct, as the pathway to the eardrum is unobstructed. If you notice muffled hearing, pressure, or ringing in your ears, these symptoms often improve immediately after treatment.
Removing ear wax can enhance hearing and alleviate discomfort, such as pain or dizziness. If impacted wax disrupts your balance or causes tinnitus, its removal may provide significant relief. While the effects are lasting, those with frequent buildup can benefit from a customized care plan to maintain ear health. With professional guidance, you'll enjoy clear hearing and comfort after each visit.
The procedure is usually painless. If wax is deeply impacted, you might feel a bit of discomfort. However, our specialists prioritize a gentle and safe experience.
Ear wax removal is a quick procedure, usually lasting just a few minutes.
Our specialists utilize microscope-guided techniques for precise and safe removal, ensuring the ear canal and eardrum remain undamaged.
Avoid using cotton swabs, ear candles, or forceful water irrigation. These methods may push wax deeper into the ear canal or cause injury.
Regular ear wax removal isn't necessary for everyone, but if you experience frequent buildup, wear hearing aids, or have narrow ear canals, occasional cleanings might be beneficial.
