Ear Wax Removal and Professional Ear Cleaning in Toronto
At Bloor Hearing Clinic, our professional audiologist and hearing instrument specialists provide safe ear wax removal and professional ear cleaning using effective methods designed to safely remove earwax while maintaining your hearing health and overall well-being.
Call us at (416)530-4508 to schedule your ear wax removal or use the button below to book online now.
What is Ear Wax?
Ear wax is a natural substance produced by glands in the outer ear canal to protect the inner ear from dust, bacteria, and foreign particles. However, when excessive earwax buildup occurs, it can lead to blocked ears (impaction), ear pain, or even temporary hearing loss.
Why Ear Wax Removal is Important
While earwax (also known as cerumen) is a natural substance produced by your body, excessive buildup can affect how sound travels through the ear canal, possibly leading to difficulty hearing or tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Left untreated, earwax blockage can trap moisture and may cause ear infection, minor discomfort, or even vertigo in severe cases. People with narrow ear canals or those wearing hearing aids are more prone to buildup, with wax blocking the microphones or sound outlets of their devices.
That’s why ear wax removal is an important part of maintaining hearing care and better hearing, especially for those living in dusty environments or using hearing aids daily.
Common Signs of Earwax Buildup
Wondering if you might have excessive ear wax? Here are some common signs:
A feeling of fullness in the ear
Muffled or reduced hearing
Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing sounds)
Earache or minor discomfort
Itching in the ear canal
Persistent blocked sensation
Reduced performance of hearing aids or earbuds
If you experience any of these, book a Toronto hearing test or ear examination at our hearing clinic. Our audiology services can confirm whether symptoms may be due to earwax buildup or other possible hearing issues.
How to Prepare for Your Ear Cleaning Appointment
5 min
25 min
Soften the Wax in Advance
To make your earwax removal appointment smooth and comfortable, healthcare professionals recommend softening the wax a few days before your visit. Use olive oil, mineral oil, or ear drops designed for cerumen softening.
Place 2–3 drops into the outer portion of the ear canal once or twice daily for 3–5 days. This will help properly soften the wax, ensuring a painless and efficient removal process.
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.
Avoid Cotton Swabs or Ear Candling
Avoid using cotton swabs, hairpins, or ear candling. These can push wax deeper, scratch the ear canal, or cause further complications.
If you experience ear pain, discharge, or hearing loss, avoid self-treatment and wait for your audiologist to assess your ears.
Inform Your Audiologist About Ear Conditions
Let your hearing care professional know if you’ve had:
Ear surgery
Perforated eardrum
Chronic ear infections
Ear tubes
This helps tailor the removal methods to protect the delicate structures of your ear and prevent any hearing issues during the procedure.
What to Expect During an Ear Wax Removal Appointment
At Bloor Hearing Clinic, we offer earwax removal services for people who cannot safely remove wax at home or who experience recurrent buildup. Here’s what to expect:
Step 1: Examination of the Ear Canal (5 min)
Your audiologist will begin with an otoscopic examination to check for earwax blockage and assess the ear canal and eardrum. This step ensures there are no signs of ear infection, foreign particles, or further complications.
Step 2: Wax Softening or Irrigation Preparation (25 min)
If the wax appears firm or dry, the hearing care professional may start with irrigation using warm water or a medical ear wax vacuum with light suction if needed. This helps minimize friction and ensures minimal discomfort throughout the process.
Step 3: Professional Wax Removal Using Effective Methods
Depending on the wax consistency, location, and your ear structure, the audiologist may use one of the following removal methods:
Microsuction
A precise microsuction tool gently removes the wax while allowing full visual control under magnification. Ideal for people with narrow ear canals or ear infections.
Curette Removal
A fine, spoon-shaped instrument is used to manually lift and remove earwax from the outer ear. It’s efficient for soft or partially blocked wax.
Ear Syringing (Irrigation)
Controlled warm water is gently introduced into the ear canal to flush out properly softened wax. The process is quick, safe, and performed under professional supervision.
Step 4: Post-Removal Check and Hearing Assessment
After removing wax, your audiologist will re-examine the ear to ensure it’s clear and healthy. If needed, a hearing test may be offered to check for any hearing loss or hearing aid issues.
Most patients can report experiencing immediate improvement in hearing clarity, reduced tinnitus, and greater comfort right after the appointment.
Cost of Earwax Removal and Ear Cleaning in Toronto
We offer affordable earwax removal services performed by licensed audiologists and instrument specialists:
Ear Wax Removal: $95
Office Visit (no wax found): $45
Hearing Test (Under 60): $90
Hearing Test (Over 60): Free
Worried about ear wax? Call our audiologist today.
FAQ
Is Ear Wax Removal Covered by OHIP?
OHIP does not cover routine earwax removal at audiology clinics, but most private insurance plans do. Our team provides detailed invoices for reimbursement and can help confirm your coverage. Most insurance plans have Audiology coverage. Let us help you find out.
Is ear wax removal painful?
No. The procedure causes minimal discomfort if the wax has been properly softened. You may feel slight pressure or a mild sensation during microsuction or ear syringing, but it is not painful.
How long does the ear cleaning appointment take?
Most earwax removal appointments take around 30 minutes, depending on the amount and hardness of the wax.
Can excessive earwax cause hearing loss?
Yes. Excessive earwax can block the ear canal and interfere with sound transmission, possibly leading to temporary hearing loss or tinnitus.
Is ear candling a safe way to remove wax?
No. Ear candling has no proven benefits and may cause burns or leave candle wax deposits inside the ear, causing hearing loss or infection. Always seek professional ear cleaning instead.
How often should I have my ears cleaned professionally?
It varies per person. Those wearing hearing aids or with narrow ear canals may need earwax removal every 6–12 months. Your audiologist can advise based on your hearing health and ear anatomy.
Can earwax removal improve hearing aid performance?
Absolutely. Removing wax prevents blockage in hearing aid microphones and helps maintain clearer sound and longer device lifespan, supported by your damage warranty.
What if the wax doesn’t come out completely?
In rare severe cases, softening drops may be recommended for a few more days, followed by a follow-up visit. This ensures the remaining wax can be safely removed without irritation.
What should I do after my appointment?
Avoid using cotton swabs or inserting anything into the ear canal. Keep ears dry and clean, and follow your audiologist’s aftercare tips for continued hearing care and well-being.
Book Your Ear Wax Removal Appointment Today
Don’t let earwax blockage cause hearing issues or discomfort.
Our audiology services in Toronto can significantly improve your comfort, restore better hearing, and keep your hearing aids working efficiently.
Call us at (416) 530-4508 or fill out the form below to book online now!