How we can help
audiologist checking up the ear hearing loss

EARWAX REMOVAL SERVICES

Our earwax removal is safe, painless, and available at select hearing centers. We promote the natural buildup of essential earwax for hearing health after cleaning.
Request an appointment
On this page
Introduction

What is earwax removal?

Earwax removal, also known as cerumen management, is the removal of excessive earwax that can build up over time. Normally, earwax is a good thing because it naturally protects your ear. However, in some cases your body can produce too much of it to the point that you may not be able to hear as well as you should.
While there are some do-it-yourself methods to clean your ears of earwax, like cotton swabs, bobby pins and other objects put into the ear, we generally advise against doing it yourself. These methods may clear a path, but doesn't actually remove the earwax. You may actually wind up compacting the earwax in a way that can lead to it drying out and not actually solving your problem. The instruments you use at home may also damage part of your inner ear, causing permanent hearing damage.
We always recommend getting professional earwax removal services from a hearing centre like ours, or your family doctor. Our hearing care professionals possess the necessary equipment and skills to safely remove your excess earwax, thanks to their specialized education, training, and professional experience. We are able to safely and painlessly clean your ears and flush out the earwax without  potentially damaging your ears.
Are Your Ears Blocked by Earwax?

Everything you need to know about earwax blockage

Some people are prone to producing excessive earwax, but it doesn't automatically lead to blockaqe. Problems may arise when people try to remove the earwax at home because do-it-yourself techniques can create a worse blockage and/or cause an injury to your ear. Here is more information on earwax blockage that you should know.
Impacted earwax

What is impacted earwax?

Impacted earwax happens when you have too much of it. When it starts to partially or completely block your ear canal, it is considered impacted.

Objects placed in your ear can also lead to a blockage, especially if done repeatedly.

Having impacted earwax can cause a number of symptoms and issues with your ears and hearing. It can also prevent a full exam of the ear. If you have too much ear wax at the time of your hearing test you may be asked to visit your doctor if the clinic doesn't perform the earwax removal service.

In-store photography RetailWSA
In-store photography RetailWSA
Causes of earwax bockage

What causes earwax blockage?

Most people have a small amount of earwax that regularly makes its way to the opening of the ear. If you have excessive earwax, it may build up and block your ear canal. Earwax can get pushed deep  within the ear canal if you use a cotton swab.

You're also more likely to have wax buildup if you frequently use earphones. They can inadvertently prevent ear wax from coming out of the ear canals and cause blockages.

Symptoms of earwax blockage

What are symptoms of a blockage?

You may only experience one or more of these symptoms. They often occur slowly over time, so it can be hard to notice right away. Once the earwax is removed, these symptoms usually improve. If  they do not, we recommend you see your family doctor.
  • Earache

  • Feeling of fullness

  • Ringing or noises in the ear (tinnitus)

  • Deacreased hearing

  • Dizziness

  • Cough

Earwax removal

Everything to know about earwax removal

Under ordinary circumstances wax in the ears is totally normal, and we need a little of it to maintain a healthy ear. We can remove excess wax using a small, curved instrument or by suction while inspecting the ear. We can also flush out the wax using a water pick or a rubber-bulb syringe filled with warm water.
Dos and Don'ts of Earwax Removal

Safe Ear Cleaning Tips

If you are going to try and clean your own ears to remove excessive earwax, there are a few tips we recommend that you follow in order to do it safely. These will help reduce the risk of causing impacted earwax, or potentially injuring your ear.

Dos

  • Seek medical attention if you experience ear pain, drainage, bleeding, hearing changes, an odor coming from the ear, or other noticeable change
  • Seek medical help if you have symptoms of hearing loss, ear fullness and ear pain

Don'ts

  • Use cotton swabs and harsh liquids - this can make the problem worse, even going so far as to push the excess wax further into the canal
  • Over-clean your ears, which may irritate the ear canal, cause infection, and even increase impacted wax
  • Use 'candling' methods, which does not remove impacted earwax and can cause serious damage to the ear canal and eardrum
  • Put any objects that are small in your ear, such as cotton swabs, hair pins, car keys, or toothpicks to try and clean your ears, as all of these can cause injury to the delicate ear canal, including a cut or dislocation of the tiny bones in the ear

Request an appointment in a centre close to you

In store photography RetailWSA
Hearing Services

Hearing Care & Hearing Aid Services

Book an appointment to get a hearing test, hearing aids, earplugs, and other hearing services. Find out how we can help you with your hearing health care needs.
Read more about the Hearing Services

Request an appointment at the nearest HearCANADA location

You may also be interested

Father and son phone.

Hearing Health Guide

Your hearing health is an important part of your life. It is beneficial to know information on hearing loss, tinnitus, and how hearing works so you can be informed.
Couple out walking their dog.

Tinnitus Symptoms

The important thing is seeking help as soon as you notice the symptoms. The earlier you can have an underlying cause treated, the less likely it will wind up a permanent issue. Here are all of the signs and symptoms of tinnitus you should know.
Friends at the cafe.

Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is not always a permanent issue, and treating the underlying causes can remove or at least reduce the symptoms. That's why it is important to understand the common causes of tinnitus.

Talk to a Hearing Care Professional in one of our centres.

Book appointment

Do you have questions or need assistance?

Call us 1-877-437-9911
Canada map hearing loss

Find a hearing centre near you