The most common cause of ear wax buildup is quite counterintuitive. The q-tips and cotton swabs that many people use to clear out ear wax can inadvertently push ear wax farther back into the ear canal - directly leading to buildups. While many people use Q-tips to clean their ears, doctors discourage this method specifically because it can lead to ear wax buildups. It's ironic; but ear wax buildups are most often caused by our own efforts to clear out wax.
What are the symptoms of earwax buildup?
If left unaddressed, ear wax buildup can quickly lead to ear infections. Common symptoms include:
Ear pain
Fever
Hearing loss
Dizziness
In the long run, ear wax build up can lead to a number of adverse conditions, including:
Hearing loss
Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
Earache
Feeling of fullness
If you are experiencing persistent earwax blockage, do not attempt to clear the buildup with a q-tip or cotton swab. This can push wax further into the ear, leading to complications.
What is the best way to remove ear wax?
There are a number of ways to do some at-home ear cleaning that won't push blockage farther into your ear canal. Some safe methods of cleaning ear wax buildup include:
Ear drops (over-the-counter wax-removal medications such as Debrox)
Mineral oil
Warm water wash
Earwax removal kits (at-home ear irrigation kits)
If you have an injured eardrum or have recently received a medical procedure on your ear, do not attempt to irrigate your ear or remove earwax by yourself. This can lead to hearing loss, or permanent ear damage.
If you are experiencing persistent earwax blockage, or have recently had a medical procedure done to your ear, connect with a real, qualified audiologist on Sesame to receive a professional ear cleaning. Sesame works directly with audiologists - not insurance companies - to get you the ear care you need without the confusing copays and surprise bills. Book today to save 60% on your next ear cleaning.
Should I go to the doctor to remove ear wax?
Audiologists have specialized training in ear care and can safely remove earwax blockage from the ear canal. Common earwax removal techniques that audiologists use include:
Curette removal
A curette is a small tool specially designed to enter the ear without causing damage. An audiologist will use a small imaging tool called an otoscope to survey the inside of the ear, and then use a curette to gently scrape excess earwax out of the ear canal. This prevents ear wax from being forced deeper into the ear canal, which can create complications such as infection and hearing loss.
Irrigation removal
An audiologist will use a medical solution to soften earwax buildup in the ear canal. Once earwax is loosened, the audiologist will gently irrigate the ear canal with water to drain any buildup in the ear.
Curette and irrigation removal are quick, painless procedures that can be done hygienically and safely at an audiology office. At-home removal is one of the biggest risk factors of blockage and ear infections. If you experience excess earwax that can't be cleared out of the ear with gentle washing, it is recommended that you speak to a doctor about treatment options. These procedures are common and very effective in preventing buildup.
How much does it cost to get earwax removed?
Earwax removal can cost anywhere from $100-$200 with insurance, depending on the doctor you choose to see. If you are experiencing symptoms of earache, or have persistent earwax buildup that doesn't go away with warm water, connect with a real, quality doctor on Sesame to save up to 60% on the ear care you need.
Video ear health consultations start at around $40 on Sesame. Sesame works with doctors to set prices directly on the site, so the price you see is the one-time price you pay. No hidden fees, surprise bills, or overhead costs - just affordable, convenient ear health care with real, quality doctors.