Earwax Removal in Edmonton: When to See a Professional

Your ears feel plugged. Sounds are muffled. Maybe there is a faint ringing that was not there before. Before you start worrying about hearing loss, there is a good chance the problem is much simpler: earwax.

Earwax buildup is one of the most common reasons people visit a hearing clinic, and it is one of the easiest to fix. But most people either ignore it too long or try to fix it themselves and make things worse.

Why your ears make wax in the first place

Earwax is not a problem. It is actually a feature. Your ear canal produces cerumen (the medical name for earwax) to protect the skin inside, trap dust and debris, and fight bacteria. In most people, the wax slowly works its way out on its own.

The trouble starts when that self-cleaning system gets overwhelmed. Some people naturally produce more wax. Others have narrow or curved ear canals that make it harder for wax to migrate out. Wearing hearing aids, earbuds, or earplugs regularly can also push wax deeper or block the natural exit path.

Signs you might have an earwax blockage

You do not need to see the wax to know something is off. These are the most common signs of a buildup or impaction:

• A feeling of fullness or pressure in one or both ears
• Muffled hearing that came on gradually
• Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) that seems new
• Earache or discomfort without an obvious infection
• Itchiness deep in the ear canal
• Dizziness or a slight feeling of being off balance

If any of these sound familiar, a quick check at our Edmonton hearing clinic can confirm whether wax is the culprit. Most of the time, the answer is clear within the first minute of looking in your ear with an otoscope.

Why cotton swabs are a bad idea

This is the most important thing to know about earwax: do not stick anything in your ear canal to remove it. Cotton swabs, bobby pins, ear candles, and those spiral tools you see advertised online all carry real risks.

Cotton swabs in particular tend to push wax deeper into the canal rather than pulling it out. Over time, this creates a hard, compacted plug that is much harder to remove than the loose wax that was there before. In the worst cases, swabs can puncture the eardrum or scratch the delicate skin of the ear canal, leading to infection.

Ear candles are not any better. Despite the marketing, they do not create meaningful suction. What they do create is a fire hazard and a risk of hot wax dripping into the ear canal. Health Canada does not recommend them.

The simple rule: nothing smaller than your elbow should go in your ear.

How professional ear cleaning works

At our Edmonton hearing clinic, professional ear cleaning and wax removal is quick, safe, and usually done in a single visit. There are a few methods your audiologist or hearing care professional might use depending on the type and location of the buildup:

Irrigation. A gentle stream of warm water is directed into the ear canal to flush the wax out. This works well for soft wax and is the most common method. It is painless and takes just a few minutes per ear.

Curettage. A small, curved instrument called a curette is used to manually scoop the wax out. This is often used for harder, impacted wax or when irrigation is not suitable (for example, if you have a perforated eardrum or ear tubes).

Suction. A thin suction tip gently vacuums the wax out of the canal. This is especially useful for dry or flaky wax.

Your clinician will look in your ear before and after to make sure everything is clear. Most people notice an immediate improvement in hearing as soon as the wax is out. It is one of the most satisfying appointments in hearing care.

When to come in

There is no fixed schedule for earwax removal. Some people need it once a year. Others go years without a problem. The right time to come in is when you notice symptoms: muffled hearing, pressure, ringing, or discomfort.

If you wear hearing aids, your audiologist will typically check for wax at every follow-up appointment. Hearing aids can accelerate buildup because they sit in the ear canal and prevent the natural migration of wax. Regular cleaning keeps both your ears and your devices working properly.

Can I use over-the-counter ear drops?

Softening drops like Debrox or mineral oil can help with mild buildup. They work by loosening the wax so it can drain out naturally. If the blockage is minor, drops alone may be enough.

But if the wax is significantly impacted, drops alone will not clear it. In some cases, softening a large plug without removing it can actually make symptoms worse temporarily by causing the wax to swell. If drops do not resolve the issue within a few days, professional removal is the next step.

Earwax and hearing aids

If you wear hearing aids and notice that the sound has become weak, distorted, or cuts in and out, earwax is the first thing to check. Wax can clog the receiver, block the vent, or coat the microphone opening, all of which affect performance.

Your audiologist can clean both your ears and your hearing aids at the same appointment. Bringing your devices in regularly for maintenance extends their lifespan and keeps them sounding their best.

Where to get ear cleaning and earwax removal in Edmonton

At Medicine Place Hearing Care, professional ear cleaning and earwax removal is available at both of our Edmonton locations. No referral is needed. You can walk in or book ahead, and most visits are covered by Alberta Health or private insurance. We also offer mobile in-home visits if you cannot make it to the clinic.

If your ears feel plugged or your hearing seems off, come in and let us take a look. It might be the simplest fix you will ever get.

For a detailed comparison of ear cleaning methods, including walk-in clinics vs hearing clinics, see our guide to ear cleaning in Edmonton.

Book an ear cleaning appointment at either of our Edmonton clinics. No referral needed.