For most people, their ears might never need to be cleaned, but when certain hearing issues happen, removal of ear wax (cerumen) in San Diego can resolve them. An ear wax blockage, or cerumen impaction, can cause hearing loss, fullness in your ears, discomfort, and/or dizziness.
If you’re experiencing the signs and symptoms of cerumen impaction, it can be removed safely by one of ENT Associates of San Diego’s board-certified otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors) at one of our three convenient locations in La Mesa, Chula Vista, or Escondido, California.
Why Is Ear Wax Removal Sometimes Necessary?
Some people produce a lot of ear wax, increasing their risk of blockage. Others get more ear wax by wearing hearing aids or earplugs and going swimming. Ear wax removal should only be done by professionals. An ENT doctor can check your ears and see if your symptoms are due to cerumen buildup rather than a more serious medical issue.
Am I a Good Candidate For Ear Wax Removal?
Anyone experiencing one or more of the following symptoms may be a suitable candidate for ear wax removal:
- Earaches
- Ear infections
- Itchiness
- Hearing loss
- Ringing (Tinnitus)
- Dizziness (Vertigo)
- Pressure
- Dark ear wax
- A feeling of fullness in the ears
Depending on the process selected for ear wax removal, some people might not be ideal candidates. For instance, irrigation is not recommended for those who have had ear surgery before or who have eardrum perforations or an active ear infection.
Your Ear Wax Consultation
The consultation consists of one of our ENT doctors evaluating your symptoms and physically examining your ears. He or she will decide if you are a suitable candidate for professional ear wax removal and then provide a treatment plan.
The Procedure
There are many ways to remove ear wax. One of the most common impaction solutions is the use of ear drops to soften the wax. Drops will be placed in the affected ear, so you must lie down and let the solution drip into that ear. Once softened, your ENT specialist can remove the wax using special instruments.
After Ear Wax Removal
Once the ear wax is removed and your treatment recovery is complete, don’t do anything to encourage ear blockage in the future. Don’t use cotton-tipped swabs (Q-tips) or other objects except to clean the outside of your ear. If you want to have your wax removed, it’s best to get professional help.
Benefits of Professional Ear Wax Removal
- Safe removal without risk of injury from DIY methods
- Restores hearing by eliminating blockages
- Relieves discomfort from earaches, pressure, and fullness
- Stops dizziness caused by wax buildup
- Professional diagnosis to rule out serious medical issues
- Complete removal in one visit
Ear Wax FAQs
Contact Our Office
If you want to learn more about the best treatment to remove ear wax (cerumen) in San Diego, contact us today to schedule your consultation. We proudly provide ENT services to patients in Escondido, Chula Vista, and La Mesa. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan to address your needs.
