Removal of excessive earwax can be an important and often necessary service for optimal hearing health. Our highly trained audiologists use a variety of methods to remove earwax. These techniques include: manual curettage, irrigation, and microsuction.
Our ears produce an oily substance called "cerumen" to protect the skin in the ear canal. Cerumen mixes with dead skin, dust, and other debris to form earwax. Usually, earwax works itself out of the ear without our help. However, in some cases, ears can become blocked or impacted by this wax. This can be due to an overproduction of cerumen, the shape of the ear canal (e.g. small diameter or sharp bend), or by putting things into our ear that pushes and packs wax in deeper (e.g. Q-tips).
Common symptoms of an ear blocked with wax include:
- Decrease in hearing (often quite sudden)
- Uncomfortable feeling of fullness in the ear
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing noise in the ear)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Wax Removal
Do I need a referral to book a wax removal appointment?
No, you can self-refer to any of our clinics.
How much does East Coast Hearing charge for wax removal?
We charge $80 for this service.
Is there a minimum age requirement for wax removal?
At our Bedford and Halifax clinics the minimum age is 16 years old. At our Dartmouth clinic there is no minimum age.
Will my medical insurance cover the fee?
Many plans do cover Audiology Services. However, we do not direct bill to your insurance for wax removal. We provide you with a detailed receipt so that if eligible, you can claim this yourself.