Ear Wax Removal

No, it shouldn’t hurt. Our ear wax removal techniques are designed to be gentle and comfortable. You might feel a slight sensation of movement or hear some soft suction sounds during the process, but these are not painful. We take every precaution to avoid causing you any discomfort – for example, we often soften the wax first to make removal easier. Most people describe the feeling as odd or ticklish rather than painful. Of course, if at any point you do feel pain, we will stop immediately. Your comfort is our priority, and the procedure is performed by an experienced specialist who knows how to remove the wax safely without touching sensitive areas of your ear. Rest assured that when done properly by a professional, ear wax removal is very safe and typically painless.

At AudioCare, the procedure is straightforward and usually lasts only a few minutes per ear. We’ll have you sit comfortably in a treatment chair. Using a special microscope or magnifying device, we look inside your ear canal to locate the wax. If we’re using microsuction (our most common method), a small suction probe will be gently inserted just into the ear canal – you’ll hear a mild vacuum noise as it carefully dislodges and pulls out the wax. You might also feel a light tugging or tickling as the wax comes free. If we use instruments like a tiny curette or forceps, you may feel a slight pressure as the wax is scooped or lifted out, but again no pain. Throughout the procedure, you’ll be guided on what to expect (“you may hear a soft sound now,” etc.), so nothing will surprise you. The environment is sterile and calm. As the wax is removed, we periodically re-check your ear with the scope to ensure it’s thoroughly cleaned without causing irritation. Typically, both ears can be cleared in one session (if both are blocked). Once done, we’ll let you know and show you what was removed if you’re curious! You’ll likely notice improvement in your hearing immediately after the procedure. In short, you can expect a quick, professional process where we do all the work while you simply stay still and relax.

Generally, very little preparation is required. You can eat and go about your day normally before coming in. One helpful thing you can do is apply softening eardrops (like medical olive oil drops or a saline-based wax softener) into the affected ear once or twice a day for a few days leading up to your appointment. This is not mandatory, but it can help by loosening the wax, making the removal even easier and faster. If you decide to use eardrops, follow the instructions on the bottle – usually a couple of drops while lying on your side, allowing them to soak in. If you have any history of eardrum perforation or ear surgery, or if putting drops causes pain, skip this step and let us know instead. Aside from drops, avoid poking or cleaning your ear on your own before you come, as this may push the wax further in or irritate the ear canal. It’s also a good idea not to schedule any intense activities right before or after, just in case your ear feels a little different immediately post-cleaning (though most people feel perfectly fine). Bring along any hearing aids or earplugs you use, so we can check and clean them from wax debris if necessary. Essentially, come as you are – we’ll take care of the rest!

It depends on your ears. Many people never need to have earwax removed, or only very rarely. Ears are usually self-cleaning – wax naturally works its way out in most cases. We will not put you on a “routine cleaning” schedule unless there’s a clear reason. However, some individuals do tend to accumulate wax faster than others (for example, due to narrow ear canals or wearing hearing aids which can prevent wax from falling out). If you’re one of those people who frequently gets blocked ears, you might benefit from periodic check-ups or cleanings. Typically, even in those cases, ear wax removal might be needed once or twice a year at most. We will give you personalized advice based on what we see: after clearing your ears, we can estimate how quickly your wax might come back and suggest when (or if) to return. In the meantime, using the appropriate ear drops occasionally may help keep the wax soft so it comes out on its own. Remember, more is not better when it comes to ear cleaning – you shouldn’t be trying to clean your ears every week or month unnecessarily. We focus on as-needed care. So, unless you notice symptoms of blockage again, you likely won’t need to have it removed regularly. And if you do face recurring issues, we’ll work with you on a long-term plan to manage it safely.

It’s not recommended to try to remove earwax by yourself using cotton swabs, “ear candling,” or any similar home remedies. In fact, most doctors warn against putting anything in your ear canal on your own. Using cotton buds (cotton swabs/Q-tips) or other objects often does more harm than good – instead of pulling wax out, you’re likely to push it deeper into the canal, making the blockage worse. You can also accidentally scratch or damage the delicate skin of the ear canal or even perforate your eardrum, which is painful and can affect your hearing. Ear candles (hollow cones that are lit on one end) are another popular myth but are strongly discouraged by experts. Studies and medical reviews have shown that ear candling does not actually remove wax, and it carries serious risks – people have been burned or ended up with candle wax dripping into the ear, causing injury . Rather than resorting to these unsafe methods, the best practice is to use ear drops to soften wax (if you suspect a minor build-up) or simply seek professional help. If you think your ear is blocked with wax, try a few drops of olive oil or pharmacy ear drops for a couple of nights. If that doesn’t help or if you have significant symptoms (like notable hearing loss, pain, or persistent fullness), it’s time to see a healthcare provider. Professionals have the proper tools and training to remove earwax safely. Remember, your ears are very sensitive – it’s always safer to let a medical professional handle earwax removal rather than attempting it yourself at home.