Earwax Removal
Your ears are designed to be self-cleaning, with old wax naturally falling out during bathing or daily activities. Understanding this normal process helps recognize when professional intervention becomes necessary.
When Earwax Becomes a Problem
Earwax serves an important protective function, but sometimes your body produces too much or it accumulates instead of naturally migrating out. Excessive earwax affects up to 10% of adults and can cause significant hearing loss, discomfort, and tinnitus. Problems often develop gradually – you might notice muffled hearing, fullness in your ears, or difficulty with hearing aids before realizing wax buildup is the culprit. Professional removal provides immediate relief and prevents complications from improper home removal attempts.
Ear Examination
We carefully inspect your ears to assess wax buildup and rule out other conditions.
Removal Method Selection
We choose between irrigation, manual removal, or suction based on your needs.
Gentle Extraction
We remove wax using specialized instruments while monitoring your comfort throughout.
Follow-up Care
We provide guidance on prevention and schedule follow-up if needed.
Safe Removal Process
Our audiologists use proven techniques tailored to your specific situation, ensuring comfortable and complete wax removal. We begin with visual examination using an otoscope, then select the most appropriate removal method based on wax consistency and location.
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Professional Tools and Techniques
Safe earwax removal requires proper visualization and specialized instruments. Our audiologists use various methods including curettes for manual removal of firm wax, gentle irrigation with body-temperature water when appropriate, and suction for soft wax or sensitive situations. Each technique has specific advantages, and we select based on wax type, ear canal anatomy, and your comfort level.
We never use ear candling or sharp objects that could damage your ear canal or eardrum. Our controlled approach minimizes discomfort while ensuring complete removal. For patients with narrow ear canals, previous ear surgery, or other complicating factors, our expertise ensures safe, effective treatment tailored to your specific anatomy.
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Immediate restoration of hearing clarity
Relief from fullness and discomfort
Safe removal without injury risk
Prevention guidance for future buildup
Why Professional Removal Matters
While earwax usually migrates out naturally, certain factors increase buildup risk. Hearing aid use, narrow ear canals, and age-related changes can all contribute to impaction. Cotton swabs often push wax deeper rather than removing it, potentially causing damage. Professional removal eliminates these risks while providing immediate improvement in hearing and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers about professional earwax removal and when to seek help.
Common signs include muffled hearing, ear fullness or pressure, ringing in your ears (tinnitus), hearing aids not fitting properly or whistling, and itching or discomfort in your ear canal. If you experience sudden hearing loss or pain, seek professional evaluation promptly.
Professional earwax removal should not be painful when performed correctly. You might feel unusual sensations or mild pressure, but our audiologists monitor your comfort throughout. We can adjust techniques or take breaks as needed. Most patients report immediate relief rather than discomfort.
This varies greatly between individuals. Some people never need professional removal, while others require it every few months. Factors like hearing aid use, ear canal shape, and natural wax consistency affect buildup rate. We'll help you understand your pattern and recommend an appropriate schedule.
While you can't stop normal wax production, certain practices help prevent problematic buildup. Avoid cotton swabs in your ear canals, let shower water gently flow into your ears, and consider periodic use of over-the-counter drops if recommended. We'll provide personalized prevention strategies based on your situation.
Home removal risks pushing wax deeper, damaging your eardrum, or causing infection. You cannot see what you're doing, making injury likely. Improper irrigation can cause dizziness or eardrum perforation. Professional removal ensures safety through proper visualization and technique.
Clear Hearing Starts with Healthy Ears
Earwax buildup might seem like a minor issue, but it can significantly impact your hearing and quality of life. Professional removal provides immediate relief while protecting your delicate ear structures from injury. Our audiologists combine gentle techniques with careful monitoring to ensure comfortable, complete wax removal.
Beyond addressing current buildup, we help you understand your ears' unique patterns and needs. Some patients benefit from regular preventive cleanings, while others need only occasional intervention. By establishing appropriate care routines, you can maintain clear hearing without the frustration of recurring blockages.
Whether you're experiencing your first earwax impaction or deal with regular buildup, professional care ensures safe, effective treatment. Our expertise means you can trust that your ears are in capable hands, receiving the careful attention they deserve.
Don't let earwax compromise your hearing. Call 425-821-6600 to schedule your professional earwax removal appointment. At Hearing Specialty Center, we're committed to keeping your ears healthy and your hearing clear.
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