Cerumen, also known as ear wax, plays an important role in the health of our ears and hearing. Our ear wax acts as a defensive barrier to keep debris from entering our ear canals, and it also protects the sensitive tissue inside our ears by lubricating and coating them. Cerumen is also an antimicrobial and works to prevent infections.

Sometimes, we can end up with too much ear wax, and this can result in temporary hearing loss, earaches, or worse. Impacted ear wax can create ear pressure or ringing in the ears, so it’s important to always get any excess cerumen professionally removed. Our eardrums are delicate membranes and can easily be damaged by trying to clear your own ear canal.

Audiologists may use different tools to remove ear wax. There are various variables that determine which tools the audiologist will used. Our audiologist is trained to safely remove the cerumen.  Prior to removal, Dr. Smiley will use a video otoscope to get an extensive view of your ear canal.  Secondly, she will use a small device called a lighted curette with a scoop/loop at the end that is used to gently remove the ear wax out of the ear canal.  At other times, it may be necessary to use a water irrigation system or suction to remove the cerumen.  All procedures are non-invasive and gentle.  Please do not attempt to remove the ear wax from home.  Remember that such acts can move the cerumen further down your ear canal and could cause damage to your ear drum.

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For more medically sensitive cases, cerumen management may be directly referred to a local medical facility.