Understanding Earwax and Earwax Blockage

What is Earwax?

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. It serves several important functions:

Protection: Earwax traps dust, debris, and microorganisms, preventing them from reaching the delicate inner ear.

Lubrication: It keeps the ear canal moist, preventing dryness and irritation.

Antimicrobial Properties: Earwax contains substances that help fight infections and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.

What is earwax removal?

Earwax removal is a process aimed at eliminating excess earwax that has accumulated in the ear canal. This procedure is essential when earwax builds up to a level that causes symptoms or obstructs the ear canal, leading to discomfort and hearing issues.

What are the symptoms of earwax blockage?

Earwax blockage, or cerumen impaction, can present a range of symptoms that often develop gradually, making them easy to overlook. Recognizing these signs is crucial as addressing earwax buildup can significantly improve your hearing and overall ear health.

Common symptoms include:

• Earache: Discomfort or pain in the ear, which may range from mild to severe.
• Feedback/squealing from hearing aid while being worn in affected ear.
• Ringing or Noises in the Ear (Tinnitus): Persistent sounds such as ringing, buzzing, or humming in the ear.
• Decreased Hearing: Gradual or sudden reduction in hearing ability, affecting both ears or just one.
• Feeling of Fullness: Sensation of the ear being plugged or full, affecting hearing clarity.
• Coughing: In some cases, a persistent cough may occur.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or experiencing vertigo.

What to do:

If you experience any of these symptoms, it may indicate a potential earwax blockage. At select HearingLife clinics, our experienced professionals can safely examine your ears and provide gentle, effective removal of excess earwax using specialized techniques. Removing the blockage typically alleviates these symptoms and restores normal hearing function.

Ignoring earwax buildup can lead to further complications, so it's essential to seek professional advice if symptoms persist after attempting home remedies. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your ear health and overall well-being.

How are earwax blockages removed?

Earwax is a naturally occurring substance in the ear canal. It’s actually good for your ears, helping to keep the skin healthy and prevent infection at the same time. Some people suffer from excessive earwax, and this can be managed by the use of drops or irrigation. Wax can cause hearing loss, and it can interfere with a hearing test or the use of a hearing aid.

How much is an earwax removal? 

Our earwax removal fee is $54 per ear. Our wax consultation is free and includes a discussion, assessment by screening, video otoscopy, a general ear health check-up, and any advice needed.

HearingLife earwax removal services

In most cases, earwax works its way out on its own, and there is no need to remove it. However, if earwax is blocking your ear canal and causing hearing loss, it may require removal using one of the following methods:

1. Manual

Using specialized instruments, earwax can be manually removed from the outer portion of the ear canal. In cases where the ear wax is particularly dense and deep, it can be helpful to manually remove it. However, manual eradication is frequently combined with other, more sophisticated methods.

2. Ear Irrigation

Ear irrigation is a procedure where water (at body temperature) is injected into the ear by the irrigator, which controls the water pressure, to ensure that the ear cannot be damaged. Under the gentle force of the water, the earwax is softened and dislodged, and the wax is carried out of the ear.

Terms and conditions

Written, informed consent is required. The Consent to Treatment form must be signed, and this is valid for one year. HearingLife Canada adopts all practice standards, guidelines and regulatory requirements established by the appropriate professional associations and regulatory colleges as our minimum practice standard. Audiologists and hearing instrument practitioners should refer to their respective provincial regulatory bodies for details about full practice guidelines and regulatory requirements.