Sometimes, hearing loss is temporary and can be fixed with a quick office visit. For different reasons, earwax can become impacted inside the ear canal and block the eardrum. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of hearing loss but don’t think it’s appropriate for your lifestyle or age, we can check to see if earwax might be causing it.

At NYHD, we understand that each patient comes to us with different possible causes, so we can take a complete look at the possible factors. If earwax is causing your hearing problems, we can perform an extraction and make sure you know what steps to take going forward.

What is Earwax?

Earwax plays a very important part in protecting and preserving your ear canal’s functions. It’s a waxy substance that can be thin or thick, depending on its location and buildup. Inside the ear canal, it’s secreted to protect the delicate and thin skin that lines the passageways, preventing bacteria and debris from entering and causing infections. Even when you attempt to regularly clean it out from the outer part of your ear, it can build up in the canal and become stuck. This usually happens because of Q-tips or cotton swabs, which can actually push the earwax further in. Earwax can also build up in the ear canals if you wear hearing aids or in-ear headphones. If this happens, you’ll have to have it professionally cleaned out.

What Are The Best Ways To Remove Earwax?


Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a normal part of how the ear works. In fact, earwax plays a very important role in protecting your ear canal and keeping it clean. But many people experience…

Why is Earwax Removal Important?

Built-up earwax can contribute to temporary hearing loss because it can block the pathway to the eardrum. Additionally, it can cause pressure, pain, and tinnitus if it’s not treated and continues to build. It’s also important to assess your earwax buildup because it can be indicative of certain health problems like autoimmune diseases, skin diseases, and infections. Some people are more prone to earwax buildup because of their anatomy. In this case, our Doctors of Audiology may recommend you see us regularly for cleaning.

Earwax Removal FAQs

Does over the counter ear wax removal work?

Over-the-counter earwax removal can be effective for some. Other patients will require professional treatment to effectively remove their earwax.

How do you know if you need ear wax removed?

Some signs you need earwax removed are a sensation that your ears are plugged, ear pain, and hearing loss.

How do you prevent ear wax build up?

You can prevent earwax buildup by avoiding using Q-tips or switching from earphones to over-the-ear headphones.

Can you hear better after ear wax removal?

Earwax buildup can certainly block sound from entering the inner ear, and if this is the case, your hearing can definitely improve after it is removed.

How do you know if you have earwax buildup?

The most common sign of earwax buildup is muffled or otherwise impaired hearing. You may also feel as though your ears are plugged, similar to having water stuck in your ears.

What dissolves ear wax fast?

Baby oil or mineral oil that is room temperature or slightly warmer can help loosen and soften ear wax. Equal parts hydrogen peroxide and tepid water can also help dissolve and remove earwax.

Does earwax fall out on its own?

Yes, excess ear wax can dislodge during the course of the day and fall out on its own. Sometimes these buildups need to be removed by a professional.

What not to do after earwax removal?

Try to keep your ears dry for the first 24 hours. Introducing moisture can make your ears vulnerable to infection. Additionally, don't put anything in your ears.

Why does my ear still feel blocked after wax removal?

Built-up wax can cause a feeling of pressure that does not always immediately go away with ear wax removal. If you tried removing wax by inserting objects (such as a Q-tip) and it still feels blocked, it's likely that wax has been pushed further inside and should be removed by a Doctor of Audiology.

Can Urgent Care remove ear wax?

Urgent care locations are often equipped with simple earwax removal devices, but for chronic earwax buildup, you may need to see a hearing doctor.

Can you massage out ear wax?

While massaging may help reposition ear wax, it does not always result in unclogging a block ear canal.

Can you remove impacted ear wax at home?

Some at-home remedies you can try for earwax softening and removal are using a drop or two of baby oil, mineral oil, or hydrogen peroxide and see if your blockage falls out after a few days.

How can I unclog my ears at home?

You can use over-the-counter earwax removal drops, baby oil, or mineral oil to help remove excess earwax.

What Can I Expect at New York Hearing Doctors?

We can begin our assessment by discussing your symptoms and possible causes, and then perform a physical examination with some special instruments to look inside your ear for obstructions. There are a few different ways that blockages can be treated, depending on your anatomy and how much earwax is present. Sometimes, special ear drops can be used to break up earwax so that it can be drained from the ear canal. Another method is called irrigation, and it includes flushing out the ear canal with a saline solution. Lastly, earwax can be removed manually using some special tools. Our preferred method of removing earwax is through gentle irrigation with body-temperature water. This method is effective and very comfortable.

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"My experience at NY Hearing Doctors was very good . I give it definitely a 5 star rating. The staff is very friendly and accommodating."

Schedule a Consultation

If you’ve been experiencing symptoms because of impacted earwax, our Doctors of Audiology can help you get relief at our New York City office. To schedule a consultation and discuss your options, contact our office by calling (212) 774-1971 or filling out our online form.