Ear
Earwax and ear blockage
Earwax and ear blockage can have more than one cause, so careful history, examination, and follow-up help guide safe treatment.
Wax is common, but unsafe removal can injure the canal or eardrum. ENT cleaning is useful when wax is hard, recurrent, painful, or when the eardrum status is unknown.
01
Common symptoms
Blocked ear
Reduced hearing
Ear discomfort
Tinnitus
Hearing aid feedback
02
How ENT evaluation may be done
Otoscopy
Microscopic assessment when needed
Eardrum status check
Infection exclusion
Hearing test if symptoms persist after cleaning
03
Treatment options
Wax softening drops when safe
Microsuction or careful removal
Avoiding deep cotton buds
Treatment of otitis externa if present
Hearing test if blockage is not wax related
04
Home care and preparation
Do not push cotton buds inside
Do not candle the ear
Avoid self removal tools
Ask before using drops if perforation is possible
05
Questions to ask during consultation
Is my eardrum normal?
How can I prevent recurrence?
Are wax drops safe for me?
Why is hearing still reduced after wax removal?
Warning signs
When to seek urgent care
Pain, discharge, bleeding, dizziness, sudden hearing loss, or suspected foreign body needs medical review.
This page is for general educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified medical professional.