Do I Need an Ear Wax Extraction? Signs to Watch For

Is everything sounding a bit muffled? Perhaps you are turning up the volume on your devices or asking people to repeat themselves. This can be frustrating and even isolating. If you have been wondering, “Do I need an ear wax extraction?” you are in the right place, as this is a very common question.

That plugged-up feeling is not something you just have to live with. Our bodies naturally produce earwax for good reason, but sometimes it builds up and causes problems. Understanding when it becomes an issue is the first step toward finding relief. 

If you are experiencing persistent ear fullness or hearing loss, the team at ENTs in Marlton can help determine whether professional earwax removal is necessary.

What Is Ear Wax and Why Do We Have It?

Before discussing earwax removal, it helps to understand what earwax is. The substance, officially called cerumen, is produced by your body to protect your ears. Think of it as a security guard for your ear canal.

Cerumen is a mixture of oils, sweat, and dead skin cells, and it serves an important function. It traps dust, dirt, and other small particles, preventing them from traveling deeper into your ear and causing an ear infection or damage. Your ears are designed to be self-cleaning. Simple jaw movements, such as chewing and talking, help move the old wax from inside the ear canal to the outer ear opening. From there, it typically flakes off or is washed away during a shower, a clever system that usually works without any intervention.

When Good Wax Goes Bad: Signs of a Blockage

This natural system works well until it does not. Sometimes, the wax fails to exit the ear and becomes stuck, creating a blockage, or cerumen impaction. This is when you begin to notice problems with your hearing and overall comfort.

The symptoms can range from slightly annoying to genuinely disruptive. An earwax blockage can cause a variety of symptoms, some of which might be surprising. 

If you are experiencing any of these, an earwax build-up could be the culprit:

• A feeling of fullness or that your ear is plugged
• Muffled hearing or sudden hearing loss
• Tinnitus, which is a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ear
• Earaches or dull pain inside your ear
• Dizziness or feeling off-balance, which can happen if the wax presses on the vestibular nerve
• An itchy sensation inside the ear canal

While these symptoms can be concerning, they are often due to a simple wax blockage. It is important to recognize them and not ignore them. Persistent symptoms warrant a visit to a healthcare provider such as Vernose & McGrath ENT, where experienced ENT specialists can examine your ears safely and remove any blockage if needed.

What Causes Ear Wax to Build Up Anyway?

You might be wondering why you are experiencing an earwax buildup, especially if you practice good hygiene. The reality is that this issue is not about being clean or dirty. Several factors can interrupt your ear’s natural cleaning process, leading to an earwax impaction.

One of the most common causes is the misuse of cotton swabs. People often use a cotton swab, bobby pins, or other objects to clean their ears, but this is a mistake. Instead of removing wax, these items usually push the cerumen deeper into the ear canals, compacting it and creating a blockage.

Other frequent causes of earwax build-up include:

• Regular use of earbuds, earplugs, or a hearing aid can physically block wax from exiting.
• Having naturally narrow or uniquely shaped ear canals can make wax migration more difficult.
• Your body may just naturally produce an excessive amount of wax.
• Age, as wax tends to become harder and drier over time.

Sometimes, the cause is just your individual anatomy. It is not something you did wrong, but a condition you may need to proactively manage to prevent recurring buildup.

Do I Need an Ear Wax Extraction at Home or By a Pro?

This is the central question once you suspect a blockage. You know there is a problem, but what is the next step? You have a couple of treatment options, but seeking professional advice is always the safest path.

Trying At-Home Methods First (With Caution)

If your symptoms are mild and you have no history of ear problems, such as a perforated eardrum, you might consider an over-the-counter solution. These methods typically involve softening the wax so your body can clear it out more easily. You can find over-the-counter ear drops at most pharmacies.

Common softening agents include mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, or drops containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. After a few days of using softening ear drops, you may try a gentle flush using a bulb syringe and warm water. A serious word of caution is necessary here. Never attempt to dig the wax out yourself with any object. You should also avoid ear candling; the FDA has issued warnings that these products are ineffective and can cause injuries.

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Skip at-home treatments and contact a care provider if you have certain pre-existing conditions or severe symptoms. 

You should also see a professional for your wax removal right away if you experience:

• Sudden or severe hearing loss
• Intense ear pain
• Any drainage or fluid coming from your ear
• A fever along with your ear symptoms

The specialists at Vernose & McGrath ENT can perform a quick, safe, and comfortable ear examination to identify if wax buildup or another issue is affecting your hearing.

What to Expect During a Professional Ear Wax Extraction

Visiting an ENT for earwax removal might sound intimidating, but the process is usually quick and straightforward. The procedure is often performed by an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, such as those at Vernose & McGrath ENT, who have the proper tools and expertise to remove earwax safely.

A healthcare professional might use one of several methods:

• Manual Removal – Using a small, curved tool (curette) to gently scrape or pull the wax out.
• Irrigation – A gentle stream of warm water or saline solution to flush out the wax.
• Microsuction – A tiny vacuum device to gently remove wax under magnification, often considered the safest and most comfortable option.

Your provider will explain the procedure beforehand, and many people experience instant relief once the blockage is gone.

How to Prevent Earwax Buildup

Once you have dealt with a blockage, prevention becomes key. Avoid inserting objects, such as cotton swabs, into your ears. Instead, gently clean only the outer ear with a damp cloth. If you wear hearing aids or earbuds regularly, keep them clean, and if you are prone to earwax buildup, schedule periodic ear checks at Vernose & McGrath ENT. They can help you maintain clear hearing and avoid future blockages.

So, Should You Schedule That Appointment?

If your ears feel full and your hearing is muffled, do not just endure it. Your body is signaling that something is off. If at-home methods do not work or your symptoms worsen, it is time to seek help. Vernose & McGrath ENT offers professional earwax extraction services that can restore your hearing comfort quickly and safely.

Conclusion

Listening to your body is always the right approach. Earwax is natural and protective, but when it builds up and blocks the ear canal, it can interfere with your hearing and comfort. Whether you start with gentle at-home care or visit Vernose & McGrath ENT for professional removal, taking action is the right step toward clear, comfortable hearing.