All of our clinicians are trained in earwax removal using the Earigator™ Cerumen Management System. However, demand for this service currently exceeds our capacity to accept new wax removal appointments.
To ensure timely care for those most affected, we prioritize wax removal appointments for:
- Existing patients
- Individuals over 55
- Those with known hearing loss
If you are under 55 and do not have a diagnosed hearing loss, we recommend first seeking wax removal through your family physician or a walk-in clinic, as this service is often covered through Alberta Health Services. Many pharmacies also carry over-the-counter earwax removal products that can be used at home.
What is Cerumen?
Cerumen, also known as earwax, is naturally produced by the glands in the ears to lubricate the ear canals and keep dust and debris from getting too far down in the ear canal. Earwax typically clears itself from the ears through chewing and jaw movements, but in some instances can accumulate and cause a blockage, especially if you wear earmolds or hearing aids.
Symptoms of a cerumen blockage include:
- Earache
- Tinnitus (ringing of the ears)
- Decreased hearing
- Feeling of ear fullness
- Dizziness
If a blockage occurs, it may need to be removed. This can be done at home or at your hearing care professional’s office, depending on the size and severity of the blockage.
At-Home Earwax Removal
In some instances, your physician may send patients home with an at-home earwax removal kit. Earwax removal kits can also be purchased over the counter in most drug stores.
These kits generally consist of a liquid that softens earwax and a small rubber bulb syringe. You will be given directions on how much and how often to apply the liquid to your ear canals, allowing it to sit for a short amount of time in your ears to soften up the earwax. Bubbling and fizzing sensations in your ears are normal with use. You will then use the bulb syringe to gently flush your ears with warm (not hot) water to remove the earwax.
It may take several days to completely clear earwax blockages from your ear. There are contraindications to using these kits in some people and with certain ear conditions. Before attempting at-home earwax removal, it is advised to speak with your hearing care provider to be sure it is safe for you.
Professional Removal with Earigator™
If the earwax blockage is more significant, it may need to be removed at your hearing care professional’s office.
We use the Earigator™ Cerumen Management System, which was designed by an otologist to be a safe and highly effective earwax removal method. This irrigation system carefully controls the water flow and temperature, while allowing the professional to see into your ear for effective and painless removal of excess wax. Unlike at-home earwax removal kits, your hearing professional may use stronger earwax removal medications in conjunction with irrigation. Carbamide peroxide is typically the main ingredient in these medications.
In some cases, curettage may be used, which involves a long, curved tool that may also be used with suction to remove cerumen from the ear canal.
Earwax Removal Methods to Avoid
People commonly use cotton swabs to try and remove earwax or dislodge a blockage. However, this can cause more problems as cotton swabs may push the blockage further down into the ear canal, risking even more damage to the ear. Cotton swabs themselves can also be accidentally inserted too far into the ear canal and can compact wax further or puncture your eardrum.
Physicians generally agree that cotton swabs are a bad idea for removing earwax and should only be used on the outer portions of your ear. You should never insert cotton swabs or any small object into your ear canal.
When to Seek Help
If you experience pain or discomfort as a result of earwax or suspect you have a blockage, it’s important that you see your hearing health professional as soon as possible to address the issue. Removing earwax doesn’t have to be painful and should bring you relief.