Cerumen, or earwax, is a natural substance that lubricates and protects the ear canal from dust, foreign particles, and infection. The ear is generally self-cleaning, with the jaw movement naturally pushing old wax outward. If this process fails, the wax can accumulate and harden, leading to impaction. Symptoms often include a feeling of fullness, muffled hearing, or persistent ringing, signaling the need for professional intervention.
Where to Start: Primary Care Options
For routine earwax buildup that is causing symptoms, your primary care provider (PCP) is the most accessible starting point. This includes general practitioners, family doctors, and internal medicine physicians. These professionals are well-equipped to handle uncomplicated cases of cerumen impaction during a standard office visit.
Many primary care offices rely on trained staff, such as registered nurses, to perform the removal procedure under a doctor’s direction. The goal is to remove the blockage safely and efficiently, restoring comfort and hearing. If the wax is easily accessible and the patient has no complicating medical history, primary care is a convenient and cost-effective option.
When Specialization Is Needed
If you have a history of ear surgery, ear tubes, a known perforated eardrum, or if the impaction resists initial treatment, seeking a specialist is necessary. Otolaryngologists (ENT doctors) manage complex ear conditions and have specialized tools to assess delicate structures and perform removal with precision. Audiologists, who focus on hearing and balance, also frequently offer professional earwax removal services. For immediate relief outside of normal business hours, Urgent Care centers can perform basic removal using irrigation techniques for non-complex blockages.
The Professional Removal Techniques
Professionals select removal techniques based on wax consistency and patient ear health.
Irrigation
Irrigation involves introducing a controlled, low-pressure stream of body-temperature water or saline solution into the ear canal. This gentle flushing action softens and dislodges the wax, allowing it to flow out naturally.
Manual Removal
Manual removal, or curettage, uses specialized fine instruments like curettes or forceps. This technique requires excellent visibility to gently scrape or pull the wax directly from the canal.
Microsuction
For hard or deep impactions, specialists often prefer microsuction. During this precise procedure, the doctor uses a microscope for clear visibility and a thin tube attached to a low-pressure vacuum to safely suction the wax out of the ear.
The Risks of Removing Earwax at Home
Professionals strongly advise against attempting to remove earwax at home due to significant risks. The cotton swab, the most common at-home tool, often pushes wax deeper into the ear canal, worsening the blockage. Swabs can also scratch the sensitive skin lining the ear canal, potentially leading to infection or temporary dizziness. Ear candling is another dangerous practice, involving placing a lit, hollow candle in the ear. This method is ineffective and poses severe risks, including burns to the face and ear, or blockage from candle wax dripping into the canal. While over-the-counter softening aids like mineral oil or carbamide peroxide drops can help loosen wax, they are only for pretreatment and do not complete the removal process safely.