Wax (Cerumen) Removal

Did you know that the word Cerumen is the proper medical term for ear wax? Having some ear wax in your ears is healthy and normal, but too much wax can cause problems such as hearing loss, ear pain, ear infections, and hearing aid issues.  When someone has an excessive build-up of cerumen in their ears, a visit to your doctor or audiologist is necessary for removal.  Using cotton swabs, rolled up tissue, or bobby pins to remove wax yourself is ineffective and dangerous.

At The Hearing Beyond Audiology and Hearing Clinic, we offer 2 different methods of wax removal: Curetting and Micro-suction.

Curetting:  In this method, an audiologist carefully maneuvers a curette (precision acrylic spoon) behind the impacted wax and then gently eases the wax out of your ear.  Sometimes, wax may be too deep in your ear to perform curetting, and other wax removal techniques can be used.

Micro-suction: This technique uses a tiny, precision vacuum to remove wax in a patient's ear.   In this method, an audiologist carefully maneuvers a lighted suction tip towards the impacted wax in order to pull the cerumen out of the ear canal.  During micro-suction, the patient will hear a loud "whooshing" sound as cerumen is removed from the ear canal. Sometimes, wax may be too "stuck" in the ear canal for the suction to remove it, and other wax removal techniques can be used.

For individuals with a severe cerumen blockage, several appointments may be necessary to fully remove the wax.  This is because the cerumen may be significantly impacted and stuck in the ear, and requires softening before removal.  The use of oil (for example: Miracell, olive oil, baby oil) may be necessary for the wax to soften and dislodge from the ear canal. Always consult your doctor or audiologist before using oil or wax-removal products in your ear.