Auricle

Studies show hearing loss is associated with dementia risk

Affiliates: ENT Specialists of Alberta & Sleep Specialists of Alberta

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Earwax Removal

Causes of Earwax Blockage

A blockage of earwax is most often caused by excess wax production or improper cleaning. In fact, one of the most common reasons for earwax buildup is incorrect at-home removal, which can unintentionally push wax deeper into the ear canal instead of removing it. Regular use of earphones or earplugs can also contribute to wax buildup, as they may block earwax from naturally moving out of the ear.

At Auricle Audiology & Hearing Clinic in Edmonton, Alberta, professional earwax removal helps safely and effectively clear blockages—restoring comfort and protecting your hearing health.

Symptoms of Earwax Blockage

Earwax buildup can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Common signs of an earwax blockage include earaches, a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, temporary hearing loss, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

If earwax is not safely removed, it can sometimes lead to an ear infection. Symptoms of infection may include persistent or severe ear pain that does not improve, as well as fever.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional care. At Auricle Audiology & Hearing Clinic in Edmonton, Alberta, we can assess whether earwax buildup is the cause and guide you on the appropriate next steps. In some cases, referral to an ENT specialist may be recommended to rule out more serious conditions.

How Does an ENT Treat an Earwax Block?

To identify earwax buildup, a hearing care professional will examine your ears using a specialized magnifying instrument called an otoscope. Once a blockage is confirmed, earwax can be safely removed using proven clinical methods such as a small curved instrument (curette), gentle suction, or carefully controlled warm-water irrigation.

If earwax buildup is a recurring concern, your provider may also recommend wax-softening drops or preventative care options to help reduce the risk of future blockages.

At Auricle Audiology & Hearing Clinic in Edmonton, Alberta, earwax removal is performed safely and comfortably, helping restore clear hearing and prevent complications.

How to Manage Mild Earwax Buildup at Home

If your ears are healthy and you do not have ear tubes, a perforated eardrum, or a history of ear surgery, certain at-home methods may help manage mild earwax buildup. Using a clean dropper, a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or diluted hydrogen peroxide can be placed into the ear canal to help soften the wax.

Once the wax has softened—this may take several hours or a few days—it can sometimes be gently flushed using warm water and a rubber-bulb syringe. Afterward, allow the ear to drain and gently dry the outer ear with a clean towel. This process may be repeated if necessary

If symptoms continue, worsen, or you’re unsure whether at-home care is appropriate, professional earwax removal is recommended to prevent irritation or injury. At Auricle Audiology & Hearing Clinic in Edmonton, Alberta, we provide safe, professional earwax removal when home methods aren’t effective.

Contact Us

Please complete the form and our team will contact you during our regular business hours. You can also call us at (587) 414-0355 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.

Call Auricle Hearing at (587) 414-0355 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Causes of Earwax Blockage

A blockage of earwax is most often caused by excess wax production or improper cleaning. In fact, one of the most common reasons for earwax buildup is incorrect at-home removal, which can unintentionally push wax deeper into the ear canal instead of removing it. Regular use of earphones or earplugs can also contribute to wax buildup, as they may block earwax from naturally moving out of the ear.
At Auricle Audiology & Hearing Clinic in Edmonton, Alberta, professional earwax removal helps safely and effectively clear blockages—restoring comfort and protecting your hearing health.

Symptoms of Earwax Blockage

Earwax buildup can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Common signs of an earwax blockage include earaches, a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, temporary hearing loss, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
If earwax is not safely removed, it can sometimes lead to an ear infection. Symptoms of infection may include persistent or severe ear pain that does not improve, as well as fever.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional care. At Auricle Audiology & Hearing Clinic in Edmonton, Alberta, we can assess whether earwax buildup is the cause and guide you on the appropriate next steps. In some cases, referral to an ENT specialist may be recommended to rule out more serious conditions.

How Does an ENT Treat an Earwax Block?

To identify earwax buildup, a hearing care professional will examine your ears using a specialized magnifying instrument called an otoscope. Once a blockage is confirmed, earwax can be safely removed using proven clinical methods such as a small curved instrument (curette), gentle suction, or carefully controlled warm-water irrigation.
If earwax buildup is a recurring concern, your provider may also recommend wax-softening drops or preventative care options to help reduce the risk of future blockages.
At Auricle Audiology & Hearing Clinic in Edmonton, Alberta, earwax removal is performed safely and comfortably, helping restore clear hearing and prevent complications.

How to Manage Mild Earwax Buildup at Home

If your ears are healthy and you do not have ear tubes, a perforated eardrum, or a history of ear surgery, certain at-home methods may help manage mild earwax buildup. Using a clean dropper, a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or diluted hydrogen peroxide can be placed into the ear canal to help soften the wax.
Once the wax has softened—this may take several hours or a few days—it can sometimes be gently flushed using warm water and a rubber-bulb syringe. Afterward, allow the ear to drain and gently dry the outer ear with a clean towel. This process may be repeated if necessary
If symptoms continue, worsen, or you’re unsure whether at-home care is appropriate, professional earwax removal is recommended to prevent irritation or injury. At Auricle Audiology & Hearing Clinic in Edmonton, Alberta, we provide safe, professional earwax removal when home methods aren’t effective.