Ear Wax Removal SoCal’s Otolaryngology Experts
Ear wax removal is a safe, professional procedure that clears excess buildup to relieve discomfort, improve hearing, and reduce the risk of infection.
Ear wax removal is a safe, professional procedure that clears excess buildup to relieve discomfort, improve hearing, and reduce the risk of infection.
Earwax plays an important role in protecting and cleaning the ear, but when it accumulates excessively or becomes impacted, it can lead to symptoms like ear pain, temporary hearing loss, dizziness, and a feeling of fullness or pressure. While many over-the-counter solutions claim to help, they can often make the problem worse. Inserting cotton swabs or using unsafe methods like ear candling may push wax deeper or even injure the eardrum.
At the Southern California Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy (SoCal ENT), our board-certified ENT specialists offer professional ear wax removal using safe, advanced techniques that preserve your hearing and overall ear health. We use gentle, precise instruments to carefully remove wax without discomfort or risk. If you're experiencing clogged ears, reduced hearing, or discomfort, book a consultation today for expert care.
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 provides a fast, safe, and effective solution when wax accumulation begins to affect your hearing or cause irritation. Rather than using aggressive irrigation or at-home methods that can push wax further in or risk damaging the eardrum, our ENT specialists use microscope-assisted tools to gently and precisely remove wax while preserving the integrity of the ear canal and surrounding structures.
At SoCal ENT, our specialists use gentle, targeted methods to safely clear excess or impacted earwax. The process starts with a careful examination of your ear canal using an auriscope, a small camera that provides a clear view of the wax buildup. Based on the type and extent of the blockage, we select the most appropriate removal technique tailored to your individual needs.
For mild earwax buildup, we use a curette, a small, looped tool designed to gently remove wax from the ear canal. This technique allows for controlled, targeted removal and is typically painless for most patients.
In cases of heavier buildup or impacted wax, we use a soft suction device to safely draw out the wax without applying pressure to the eardrum. This approach is especially beneficial for patients with sensitive ears or narrow ear canals.
When earwax is dense or located deeper in the ear canal, we may begin with a hydrogen peroxide-based softening solution. This helps break down hardened wax, making it easier to remove using low-pressure suction for a comfortable, effective result.
During ear wax removal, your ENT specialist is guided by a high-resolution microscope for a detailed and careful cleaning process that protects the ear from any damage.
When earwax becomes impacted, it may lead to a variety of bothersome symptoms, including:
Accumulated wax can press against the eardrum, resulting in discomfort or a sensation of fullness.
A blockage in the ear canal can obstruct sound transmission, causing a noticeable reduction in hearing.
Excess wax can worsen symptoms of ringing, buzzing, or hissing noises in the affected ear.
Impacted wax may irritate structures involved in balance, leading to vertigo or a sense of unsteadiness.
Stimulation of the vagus nerve by compacted earwax can trigger a chronic, unexplained cough.
Many people report feeling like their ear is blocked or submerged, affecting overall comfort.
If you're noticing these symptoms, having your ear wax professionally removed is a fast solution that offers instant relief.
Unlike over-the-counter solutions or home techniques, which can push wax further into the ear or cause injury, professional ear wax removal is performed with precision and care, protecting the sensitive structures of the ear canal and eardrum.
This fast, in-office procedure often results in immediate improvement in hearing and can relieve symptoms such as ear pressure, ringing, and dizziness caused by wax buildup. Regular professional removal also supports long-term ear health by lowering the risk of infections, inflammation, and recurring irritation.
If you're dealing with hearing difficulties, ear discomfort, ringing in the ears, or a sensation of fullness, impacted ear wax could be the cause and may require professional removal. Individuals with narrow ear canals, a history of ear infections, or those who wear hearing aids are more prone to wax buildup and often benefit from routine ear cleanings.
At SoCal ENT, our specialists will carefully evaluate your symptoms to determine if earwax removal is appropriate. If your symptoms are not caused by wax accumulation, we’ll conduct a thorough examination to pinpoint the underlying issue and recommend the most effective treatment plan.
Following professional ear wax removal, most patients experience immediate improvement in both hearing and ear comfort. Many describe a noticeable sense of clarity and openness, as sound is able to reach the eardrum without obstruction. Common symptoms like muffled hearing, ear pressure, and ringing often resolve right after the procedure.
Removing impacted wax can enhance hearing and relieve discomfort, dizziness, and the sensation of fullness in the ear. For those whose balance or tinnitus is affected by wax buildup, treatment can provide fast, effective relief. While the benefits are typically long-lasting, individuals who produce excess wax may require occasional follow-up care. Our specialists can develop a personalized maintenance plan to keep your ears healthy and your hearing clear.
Generally, this procedure is painless. However, if the wax is deeply lodged, you might experience minor discomfort. Rest assured, our specialists are dedicated to providing a gentle and safe experience.
Ear wax removal sessions usually last only a few minutes from beginning to end.
Yes, professional treatment is the safest way to remove excess wax buildup. Our ENT specialists use microscope-assisted methods to safely and effectively remove obstructions while protecting the ear canal and eardrum.
We advise against using cotton swabs, ear candles, or vigorous water flushing. These techniques might push the wax further into your ear canal or lead to harm.
Routine ear wax removal isn't necessary for everyone. However, those who often experience excess buildup, use hearing aids, or have narrow ear canals may benefit from occasional cleanings.
