Earwax (cerumen) is a naturally occurring substance that protects the ear canal from foreign particles and microorganisms. While typically expelled naturally through jaw movements, it can accumulate and harden for some individuals. Excessive buildup forms a blockage known as cerumen impaction, causing symptoms like hearing loss, pain, or a feeling of fullness. This common problem often prompts a visit to an Urgent Care facility for safe and quick removal.
Standard Practice for Ear Cleaning at Urgent Care
Urgent Care facilities generally provide ear cleaning services for cerumen impaction, as it is a frequent, non-life-threatening complaint. Earwax removal is a routine procedure requiring minimal specialized equipment beyond standard clinic supplies. This service fits the model of immediate, walk-in care by providing quick resolution for disruptive symptoms. Healthcare providers who perform this procedure include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, or registered nurses operating under a physician’s supervision.
A clinician first examines the ear using an otoscope to confirm the presence and severity of the wax blockage. This initial assessment ensures the symptoms are caused by cerumen and not a more serious underlying condition. The provider determines if the impaction is severe (a blockage of 80% or more of the ear canal) before selecting the most appropriate removal technique based on the wax’s consistency and the patient’s history.
Common Methods of Wax Removal
The most common technique used in Urgent Care is irrigation, also known as ear lavage. This method involves gently flushing the ear canal with a stream of warm water or a saline solution to dislodge the hardened wax. Using water close to body temperature is important, as cool water can cause temporary side effects like dizziness or vertigo. The provider directs the solution toward the top of the ear canal, allowing the water pressure to flush the cerumen out into a collection basin.
If the wax is too hard, too close to the eardrum, or if the patient’s history makes irrigation unsafe, manual removal is the alternative. This method uses specialized, small instruments like cerumen curettes or loops to physically scoop or extract the wax while the provider views the ear canal. The manual approach is often used after the wax has been softened with ear drops, such as those containing hydrogen peroxide, over a few days. Some facilities may also offer micro-suction, which uses a small vacuum device to gently suction the wax out.
When to Bypass Urgent Care for Specialized Treatment
While Urgent Care handles most routine cerumen impactions, certain situations require a visit to a specialist or emergency department instead. Irrigation is strictly contraindicated if a patient has a known or suspected perforated eardrum or a history of recent ear surgery. Introducing liquid into the middle ear through a perforation can lead to serious complications, including severe infection and hearing loss. In these cases, referral to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist for manual removal under an operating microscope is the safest option.
If the impaction is accompanied by severe, acute symptoms, such as intense ear pain, sudden hearing loss, or persistent dizziness, a more serious condition may be present. These symptoms can suggest an acute infection, a cholesteatoma, or another internal issue that exceeds the scope of routine Urgent Care treatment. If initial removal attempts fail, or if a foreign object (not just wax) is found, patients should be directed to a specialist. Specialists have the advanced instruments and expertise required for complex extractions.