Ear Wax Removal and Professional Ear Cleaning in Toronto
What is an ear wax?
Earwax or cerumen is a yellowish, waxy substance produced in the ear canals to protect the inner ear and eardrum. It helps trap dirt, dust, and other small particles, preventing them from reaching the delicate structures of the inner ear.
However, excessive earwax buildup can lead to common signs like ear pain, feeling of fullness, tinnitus, and hearing loss. If left untreated, too much wax can potentially cause damage to the ear and further complications. This is why ear wax removal, or “cerumen management” in more medical terms, is important for quality of life.
Is ear wax removal important?
Our ears are delicate instruments, and earwax protects them from foreign particles in dusty environments. However, excessive buildup can lead to significant issues. Earwax blockage causes frustrating symptoms like ear pain and muffled hearing. Untreated earwax can even affect your balance and cause vertigo. With narrow ear canals, it’s harder for the wax to naturally escape.
Learn safe and efficient ways for proper earwax removal. Avoid cotton swab misuse or harmful DIY removal methods. Our expert audiologists can safely remove too much earwax while providing gentle and effective solutions for proper ear cleaning. Seek earwax removal services from a hearing care professional.
What to expect at ear wax removal appointment
5 min
25 min
To experience minimal discomfort during earwax removal, we always recommend softening the earwax at home with olive oil, or softening agents which can be purchased at the clinic. This will ensure a painless and easy procedure with your audiologist.
Earwax removal is not painful. If the earwax is properly softened, it can be removed easily. Note in severe cases of blocked ears from earwax, such as earwax impaction, some patients can experience minor discomfort during removal.
What if the wax does not come out?
Our clinician is experienced and have dealt with removal of impacted wax and deeply lodged foreign objects. In rare cases of impacted wax which cannot be removed in one appointment, the patient will go home with drops to further emulsify the wax and come back in a couple of days.
Concerned about ear wax? Call our audiologist today!
FAQ
Do you provide professional ear cleaning in Toronto?
At Bloor hearing clinic, we provide professional ear cleaning and ear wax removal in a safe, clean and calm environment. We have state of the art tools to help you get those pesky ear wax out before it develops into impaction or serious health concerns such as infection. Our audiologist is very experienced in ear wax removal.
The first step is to perform otoscopy, to have a clear view of the ear canal, and the condition of the wax impaction.
We use irrigation (water) to soften the wax, special drops for emulsification and professional vacuum for micro-suction of impacted wax.
Is ear wax removal covered by OHIP?
OHIP no longer cover ear wax removal. Fee for ear wax removal is $95. If after otoscopy we discover there is no wax the fee is $45 for the office visit. Wax removal, also known as cerumen management is often performed by a health care professional that is trained in the procedure. For instance an otolaryngologist, ear nose and throat (ENT) doctors, audiologists, or hearing instrument specialists.
Is ear wax removal painful?
Ear wax removal may be uncomfortable, but should not be painful. Properly softened and emulsified wax can be removed easily and without pain. In some cases of severe blockage such as earwax impaction, patients may feel discomfort.
To experience the least discomfort during earwax removal, we recommend patients to soften the earwax at home with oil or special drops that we carry in the clinic. This will ensure a painless procedure at the clinic. Our audiologist is very experienced and have dealt with removal of impacted wax and deeply lodged foreign objects such as bracelet bead (the things you find in a child’s ears)!
How much does it cost to see an audiologist?
| Hearing Test (Over 60) | Free |
| Hearing Test (Under 60) | $90 |
| Pediatric Hearing Test (Under 18) | $110 |
| Industrial Hearing Test (i.e. Toronto Police) | $125 |
| Ear Wax removal | $95 |
| Office Visit | $45 |
| Tinnitus consultation | $90 |
| Custom Ear plugs (sleep, noise, musician) | $250+ |
Hearing aid prices depend on the type of hearing aids a patient chooses after a complete hearing test and assessment. They range from $2500-$4500* per pair. The price of the hearing aid also includes 3 years manufacture warranty, 2 years loss and damage warranty, and lifetime in clinic services. Chat with us to learn about our offerings.
*After ADP government funding
Does ear candling work for cleaning ears?
Ear candling involves placing a hollow candle, usually a fabric tube soaked in beeswax in the outer ear canal. The candle burns for around 15min and when done a waxy substance is left in the stub. A small trial took oto endoscopic photos before and after ear candling. They show that no wax was removed from the ears with impacted wax, and candle wax was deposited in the ears without wax -meaning, if you did not have wax in your ear canal, now you do!
In conclusion, there is no evidence to suggest ear candling is an effective treatment for ear wax removal. On the contrary, ear candling is associated with considerable risk and harm, if you are thinking “ear wax removal near me” please seek professional ear cleaning with our health care provider. At Bloor Hearing Clinic, we provide ear cleaning and ear wax removal in a safe and clean environment.
Reference
Rafferty J, Tsikoudas A, Davis BC. Ear candling: should general practitioners recommend it? Can Fam Physician. 2007 Dec;53(12):2121-2. PMID: 18077749; PMCID: PMC2231549.
Does OHIP cover hearing aids?
OHIP covers hearing aids to some extend. The Assistive Device Program (ADP) covers up to $1000 ($500 per ear) every 3-5 years. Bloor hearing clinic will handle all application paperwork for patients to access funding so patients do not need to pay this amount when purchasing the hearing aids. We will work with you to find the best suited hearing aids for your lifestyle and budget, and offer flexible payment plans.
Check out also our hearing aids in Toronto today.
Does OHIP cover hearing tests?
OHIP does not cover hearing tests or ear wax removal in audiology clinics. The good news is most insurance with work or private insurance plans do cover audiology services and our clinic will provide patients with a detailed invoice for insurance claim. We can also help you find our what your coverage is.