Cerumen Removal (Earwax)

Earwax (cerumen) is a natural and healthy substance that protects your ear canal. However, when it builds up excessively, it can cause hearing loss, discomfort, tinnitus, and even dizziness. At Kentucky Hearing Aids, we provide safe, professional cerumen removal using gentle, proven techniques.

When Should You Have Earwax Removed?

You may benefit from professional earwax removal if you experience:

• A feeling of fullness or pressure in one or both ears
• Muffled hearing or sudden decrease in hearing ability
• Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or humming in the ears)
• Ear pain or discomfort
• Dizziness or balance issues
• Hearing aid feedback or poor performance due to wax

Our Cerumen Removal Techniques

Curette Removal

Using a specialized instrument under visual guidance, we carefully scoop out wax from the ear canal. This technique is particularly effective for firm or impacted wax and is safe for people with eardrum perforations.

Gentle Irrigation

Warm water is used to flush softened wax from the ear canal. This technique works well for soft to moderate wax buildup and is comfortable for most patients.

Suction Removal

A small suction device gently removes wax from the ear canal. This method is especially useful for patients with narrow ear canals or those who shouldn't have water in their ears.

Important Safety Information

We strongly recommend against using cotton swabs, ear candles, or other at-home removal tools. These methods can push wax deeper into the canal, damage the eardrum, or cause infection. Professional removal is the safest and most effective approach.

For Hearing Aid Wearers

If you wear hearing aids, regular cerumen management is especially important. Wax buildup can clog receivers and microphones, cause feedback, and reduce sound quality. We recommend having your ears checked for wax buildup during every hearing aid cleaning appointment.