Excess Ear Wax Treatment | Ear Wax Buildup Removal

What is an ear wax blockage?

Ear wax is also known as cerumen. It’s a naturally occurring substance that is secreted by glands in the skin that exist along the ear canals. The wax and tiny hairs in this area are responsible for trapping dirt, dust and other foreign particles that may damage the ear drum and canal. In this way, the wax helps to clean, lubricate and protect the deep and delicate structures within the ear.

Small amounts of ear wax routinely move toward the opening of the ear where it is washed away naturally. However, some people secrete an excessive amount of wax that cannot be cleared effectively. In these cases, the wax may build up and create a blockage. This often occurs when people try to clean their ears with cotton swabs, which pushes the wax deeper into the ear canal instead of removing it.

Symptoms

Earache and pain
A full sensation in the ear
Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
Diminished hearing
Dizziness
Cough

Before visiting your doctor, there are a number of home remedies you can safely try to encourage your blocked ear wax to dislodge. First, you can soften the wax by inserting a few drops of baby oil or hydrogen peroxide in the ear canal. Wait a day or two, and then use a rubber-bulb syringe to flush the area with warm water. This process can be repeated a few times until it is successful. You can also click here to learn more earwax build-up treatment options.

If your wax is deeply lodged and the symptoms don’t improve with at-home irrigation, you will need to have the problem addressed by a board-certified ear, nose and throat physician. The ear canal and ear drum are very easily damaged, so we don’t recommend attempting to dig out blocked ear wax on your own.

Your SFENTA™ physician can remove blocked wax in the office using a small, curved instrument or a suction. Alternatively, it can be flushed out with a water pick or syringe. If you experience recurrent blockages, your doctor may recommend the regular use of wax removal ear drops.

Contact Us Today

Attempting to dislodge blocked ear wax on your own can damage the delicate ear drum and ear canal. Contact your SFENTA™ physician today for professional help safely removing the blockage and restoring your optimal ear health.

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Important Information about Coronavirus (COVID-19)

South Florida ENT Associates (SFENTA™) is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our patients, clinicians, and employees, particularly among the recent concern and outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. We are continuing to respond to the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Public Health from each state, which are closely monitoring the outbreak of the COVID-19.

In-office Guidelines & Preventive Measures

Across our network, SFENTA™ is implementing safety precautions to help limit the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the health of our patients, employees, and visitors. These preventive measures include:

Informational flyers for posting on the outside door, patient waiting room (Click here for ES) and for call center and front office employees – all these should be placed in highly visible areas. If a patient advises the staff that they have traveled outside the country to an affected area or have been in contact with someone known to have COVID-19, please follow protocol as mentioned in the call center and front office flyer.

Patients to be limited to bringing only one visitor with them into our offices.

Procedures will not be performed on patients known or suspected to have COVID-19.

SFENTA™ is also working with our referring providers to request they do not send patients known or suspected of having the COVID-19 virus to any of our offices.

Patient Guidelines Regarding the Coronavirus & Flu-like Symptoms

As a current patient, if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms (i.e., cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat), please call your care center location and ask to speak to a staff member who can guide you with more information and treatment suggestions.

We ask that you DO NOT come into the office for any pre-scheduled appointments if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms.

In addition, if you are not experiencing flu-like symptoms, but have traveled outside of the country in the last 14 days, contact a member of our triage staff to determine whether you should come into one of our care centers.

It is our goal to keep all of our patients healthy , reduce the spread of infection, and to make sure you have accurate information. We will continue to keep this site updated as more information becomes available.

Guidelines for You and Your Family

There is still time to get a flu shot. This is strongly suggested, as the flu season is still here and the symptoms are very similar.

Make sure to wash your hands continuously for 20 seconds and keep hands away from your face; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home if you are sick!

Always cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in your home using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Please note that the overall immediate health risk from the coronavirus is still considered low. People in areas where ongoing community spread of the virus has been reported are at elevated, though still relatively low, risk of exposure.

However, healthcare workers caring for patients with the COVID-19 and others in close contact with infected persons are at a greater risk of exposure. Travelers returning from affected international locations where community spread is occurring are also at elevated risk of exposure.

The CDC believes the virus may appear between 2-14 days after exposure. There is no vaccine and treatment is supportive. The virus is spread person to person mainly by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This is similar to other respiratory pathogens like influenza.

Together, South Florida ENT Associates will continue monitoring and preparing to meet the current challenge in order to ensure our staff and patients receive the same quality of care they deserve. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our patients, clinicians, and employees

Additional Information and Resources

The CDC believes the virus symptoms may appear between 2-14 days after exposure. There is no vaccine and treatment is supportive. The virus is spread person to person mainly by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This is similar to other respiratory pathogens like influenza.

Ear Wax