Earwax removal
Earwax is good for your ears, and usually it’s best to leave it alone. It acts as a natural cleanser and it helps protect your ears, but too much earwax can cause problems. We’ll cover what you need to know and how MinuteClinic® can help evaluate and treat your earwax blockage.
Find care
We offer services at MinuteClinic and CVS Pharmacy®
Insurance and pricing
Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.
Have questions about earwax removal and ear cleaning? Here are the basics.
What is earwax?
Earwax (cerumen) serves an essential function in the body. It works as a natural cleanser that removes dead skin cells, dirt, hair and other debris from the ear canal. It's a blend of fatty secretions from the sebaceous and sweat glands in the walls of the outer ear canal. Movement of the jaw from chewing or speaking helps to propel the secretions through the ear canal out to the ear opening, where they dry up and flake off.
Earwax has antibacterial and antifungal properties that protect the ear canal from pathogens. It also helps to minimize the irritation caused when water enters the ear canal, such as when you're swimming. When the ears do not have enough earwax, they're more likely to feel irritated and itchy.
What is an earwax blockage?
Sometimes the body overproduces earwax, causing it to build up and eventually block the ear canal. The medical term for this blockage is “cerumen impaction.” Blockages are common for people who use hearing aids. Blockages can also occur if a person cleans their ears using cotton swabs. This can drive the earwax deeper into the ear canal.
Getting help
Your MinuteClinic provider will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and examine your ears. They can assist in removing your earwax if clinically indicated. This removal might be completed during one visit or require a second visit to complete.
- Prior to scheduling your appointment, you may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit.
- Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment.
If you made your appointment online:
Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.
If you made your appointment in the clinic:
Sign in at the electronic kiosk.
- When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
- Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
- At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.
Earwax blockage symptoms and treatment
You might not experience any symptoms. However, earwax blockage might cause:
- Dizziness
- Earaches (ear pain)
- Ear infections
- Hearing problems
To examine the ear canal and ear drum, a MinuteClinic health care provider uses a specialized medical instrument called an otoscope. This instrument lights and magnifies the ear canal and can show a wax blockage.
If excess earwax is the problem, your provider may clear the blockage manually or flush out the ear using warm water.
Do not attempt to remove excess earwax or blockage with items such as a cotton swab, hairpin or paper clip. These objects can seriously injure the delicate lining of your ear canal or eardrum. Trying to dig out earwax may push the wax deeper into the ear, making it harder and more complicated to remove.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.
REFERENCES USED AS SOURCES FOR THIS PAGE:
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1. Earwax blockage – Diagnosis and treatment via Mayo Clinic. Accessed 29 August 2024.
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2. Got an ear full? Here's some advice via Harvard Health. Accessed 29 August 2024.
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3. How to get earwax out of your ear via Medical News Today. Accessed 29 August 2024.