Michael Sherbin, D.O. and Associates

Procedure · Ear and hearing

Ear wax removal.

Ear wax is one of the body’s natural defenses, but it can build up and block the canal; up to 10% of children and 5% of adults deal with it constantly. In-office removal carefully and safely withdraws the wax, usually with a water pick or syringe. No cotton swabs required, and none recommended.

Overview

A natural defense that can overdo it

Ear wax is one of your body’s natural defenses, but at times it can build up and lead to ear wax blockage. In fact, up to 10% of American children and 5% of adults constantly experience ear wax blockage. Certain individuals have glands that produce more wax than others, and are biologically prone to ear wax blockage. Sometimes, in attempting to clean your ear, you can actually push wax deep inside the ear and accidentally cause buildup.

Ear infections and temporary hearing loss can result from ear wax, so it is important to contact your medical specialist right away if you suspect you may be suffering from ear wax blockage. We offer ear wax removal which carefully and safely withdraws wax from the ear canal.

Who needs it

Signs of an ear wax blockage

You may have ear wax blockage and not yet know it. A doctor can best determine if you have significant ear wax blockage and what the proper removal method would be. Generally, individuals who might require ear wax removal may also experience:

  • Fever
  • Dizziness
  • Abrupt or persistent hearing loss
  • Ear drainage
  • Ear pain
  • A sensation of blockage in the ear
  • Ear noise (tinnitus)

The procedure

How the wax comes out

Ear wax removal is recommended only under trained supervision. The inner workings of your ear are delicate and can easily be harmed from improper attempts to remove ear wax. There are many nonsurgical ways your doctor can remove ear wax during an appointment. Your doctor will usually use a water pick or syringe. Occasionally, drops or medications are prescribed to help keep your ears healthy. We offer current technology in ear wax removal to keep your visits as comfortable as possible.

“He informed me about appropriate ear cleaning and even cleaned my ears out… Dr. Sherbin got that out within seconds… He cares for your health.”

Kristina C. · Verified patient · Dr. Sherbin · Zocdoc, January 2024

Common ear wax questions

What patients want to know first.

Isn’t ear wax normal?

Yes. Ear wax is one of the body’s natural defenses. The problem is blockage: up to 10% of American children and 5% of adults constantly experience ear wax blockage, and some people’s glands are simply biologically prone to producing more wax.

Why shouldn’t I clean my ears with a swab?

Because it usually makes things worse. In attempting to clean the ear you can push wax deep inside and accidentally cause the very buildup you were trying to prevent, and the inner workings of the ear are delicate and easily harmed. Removal is recommended only under trained supervision.

How do I know if I have a blockage?

You may not. A doctor can best determine whether you have significant blockage, but the signs include a sensation of fullness in the ear, ear pain, drainage, abrupt or persistent hearing loss, dizziness, fever and ear noise (tinnitus).

What happens during the removal?

It is a nonsurgical office procedure: the doctor usually uses a water pick or syringe to carefully and safely withdraw wax from the ear canal. Occasionally drops or medications are prescribed to help keep the ears healthy afterward.

The next step

Do not try this at home.

Ear wax removal is recommended only under trained supervision. Request an appointment online, or call the office that is most convenient for you.