Despite what many people believe, ear wax (cerumen) removal isn’t a DIY project you should tackle at home, especially with cotton swabs/Q-tips. This common household item can actually push wax deeper into your ear canal and potentially cause impaction, eardrum injury, or hearing loss. If you’re experiencing unusual ear symptoms, it’s time to let trained medical professionals handle the situation safely and effectively.

Ear Wax Diagnosis in San Diego

ENT Associates of San Diego brings together a skilled team of board-certified otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors). With convenient locations in La Mesa, Chula Vista, and Escondido, patients throughout San Diego County have access to expert ear wax evaluation and treatment. During your consultation, our team will examine your ears to assess the extent of wax buildup and determine the most appropriate removal method for your situation.

What Causes Ear Wax Buildup?

Cerumen actually serves an important protective function by trapping dust, debris, and bacteria before they can reach your eardrum. However, several factors may lead to excessive accumulation:

  • Some people naturally produce more wax than others due to genetics.
  • Narrow or unusually shaped ear canals can prevent normal wax migration.
  • Age-related changes make ear wax drier and harder over time, increasing impaction risk.
  • Frequent use of earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs prevents natural wax removal.
  • Well-meaning attempts to clean ears with cotton swabs push wax deeper into the canal.

Dangerous Myths and Methods to Avoid

Many popular home remedies for ear wax removal are not only ineffective but also potentially dangerous. Ear candling has been debunked by medical professionals and can cause burns, ear canal blockages, or eardrum perforations. Similarly, using bobby pins, tweezers, or other sharp objects risks serious injury to delicate ear structures.

Over-the-counter ear drops might seem harmless, but they can sometimes worsen impaction or cause irritation in sensitive individuals. High-pressure water irrigation systems designed for home use lack the precision and safety controls that medical-grade equipment provides, potentially causing trauma to the ear canal or eardrum rupture.

Signs You Need an ENT

Several symptoms indicate it’s time to seek out a professional ENT. Persistent hearing loss, even if gradual, often signals significant wax buildup. Other warning signs include ear pain, discharge, persistent ringing or buzzing sounds (tinnitus), dizziness (vertigo), or a sensation that your ear is plugged or full.

How an ENT Safely Removes Ear Wax

Professional ear wax removal involves specialized tools and techniques that ensure safety while maximizing effectiveness. Your San Diego ENT doctor will use an otoscope for detailed visualization before utilizing a curette for gentle manual removal and/or a medical-grade suction device. In some cases, we might recommend specific ear drops or irrigation solutions for at-home preparation before your appointment, but these instructions are tailored to your individual situation and medical history.

Contact Us Today

Don’t risk your hearing by taking ear wax removal into your own hands. If you’re experiencing symptoms that suggest cerumen buildup, contact ENT Associates of San Diego today. Our expert team is ready to help at our La Mesa, Chula Vista, and Escondido locations throughout San Diego County.