Earwax Removal

Earwax removal is the clinical process of clearing cerumen from the ear canal when it has accumulated to the point of causing symptoms or when it blocks a clear view of the eardrum during examination. Accumulated cerumen that partially or fully blocks the ear canal is called a cerumen impaction. Impaction can cause muffled hearing, a plugged sensation, tinnitus, itching, or discomfort.

Professional removal methods include microsuction (a small suction device draws wax out under direct visualization), curette removal (a small instrument scoops wax from the canal), and irrigation (a controlled stream of warm water flushes the canal). Each method has specific indications and contraindications. Irrigation, for example, is not appropriate when there is a known or suspected perforated eardrum.

Over-the-counter drops can soften wax before professional removal but should not replace clinical care when impaction is present. Cotton swabs push wax deeper and are not recommended for ear canal cleaning.