Open Accessibility Menu
Hide

Ear Wax Removal (Cerumen Management)

Cerumen, or earwax, is healthy in normal amounts because it prevents dust and other particles from reaching the eardrum. Most of the time, the ear canals dispose of wax on their own with chewing and jaw motions that push old wax from the ear canal to the opening where it dries and falls out. When wax blockage is found inside the eardrum, it’s frequently caused by probing the ear with cotton-tipped applicators that push the wax in deeper rather than removing it.

When should I consider cleaning my ears?

Under ideal circumstances, patients have no need for a professional ear cleaning. However, that’s not always the case. A condition called cerumen impaction can occur if enough wax accumulates in the ear to affect a patient’s quality of life. Consider scheduling an appointment with your Ogden Clinic ENT specialist if you experience any of the following ear problems:

  • Persistent earache or a plugged ear sensation
  • Itching, odor, or discharge from the ear
  • Partial hearing loss
  • Ringing in one or both ears (tinnitus)

Ear wax removal is a delicate procedure that should only be performed by a trained professional. Our audiologists may first prescribe eardrops designed to soften the wax. They also perform manual ear cleanings for patients with excessive cerumen impaction.

How does an Ogden Clinic ENT expert remove excess ear wax?

With the help of a microscope, Ogden Clinic providers manually clean the ear(s) with specialized instruments such as an otoloop. The otoloop is positioned along the ear canal and earwax is gently rolled out. Your specialist may also use forceps to extract ear wax or a specialized suction mechanism when needed.

Select providers are now using Telemedicine.
Visit Telemedicine to see if your next visit can take place over video chat.

Related Providers
Related Blogs