Removing Ear Wax
Do I Need to Remove Ear Wax?
Ever felt fullness or itchiness in the ear? That’s your ear telling you about the wax build-up inside your ear canal. Ear wax serves as a natural barrier against dust, bacteria, and water, but when it accumulates beyond normal levels, it can create problems that affect your hearing, comfort, and overall ear health. When earwax builds up, professional removal may help improve hearing if the blockage is affecting the ear canal. If you wear hearing aids, removing wax helps hearing aids fit properly, deliver clear sound, and remain free of blockage.
More importantly, ear wax can block your ear canal, which causes conductive hearing loss.
How to Remove Ear Wax
- Ear drops and softeners
Mineral oil, olive oil, or over-the-counter glycerin drops help soften cerumen so it can be removed easier afterwards. It doesn’t usually bring the wax out right away and you might need to do this for a week. Make sure you get most of the oil back out and use the right oil.
- Ear flushes
These are over-the-counter bottles of saline that flushes the canal to wash out softened wax—best done under guidance to avoid damage. Never do it if you have any issues in the ear, for example a hole in the ear drum or bleeding, because this is how your hearing works.
- Scoop wax out
A trained professional uses a curette or loop under direct visualization (otoscope) to scoop out wax safely. Doesn’t always work especially when wax is impacted or stiff. Some irritation or bleeding can occur with some manual earwax-removal procedures, particularly when the ear canal is sensitive or the wax is firmly impacted.
- Specialized irrigation systems (e.g., Earigator™)
Automated units regulate temperature and pressure for fast, comfortable clearance, combining an otoscope and irrigator in one handpiece. This is a professional service that can be done at hearing clinics such as Toronto Hearing Services.
What Is the Earigator™?
The Earigator™ is a patented, self-contained ear irrigation unit designed by otologist that features:
- Fully automated temperature control to match body temperature, preventing vertigo or discomfort
- Pressure regulation to remove even stubborn or impacted wax safely
- LED illumination and magnifying lens on the handpiece for clear visibility and precise cleaning
- Non-invasive procedure that does not bleed the ears like traditional procedures
Patients appreciate the soothing warmth gently massaging their ear and seldom experience the lingering discomfort common with traditional methods. That’s often the most important part: getting the job done without taking the pain.
Book Your Ear Wax Removal Appointment Today
Don’t let ear wax stand between you and clear hearing. Click the contact us button below to schedule your Earigator™ ear cleaning service. We look forward to helping you hear—and feel—your best!
What is the Earigator™ ear wax removal system?
The Earigator™ is a professional ear irrigation system designed to help remove built-up or impacted earwax. It combines controlled water irrigation with illumination and magnification, allowing the ear canal to be viewed during the procedure. The system is designed to regulate water temperature and pressure for a more comfortable earwax removal experience.
How does Earigator™ ear irrigation work?
During an Earigator™ appointment, a hearing professional examines the ear and uses the Earigator™ handpiece to gently irrigate the ear canal with temperature-controlled water. The controlled flow helps loosen and clear earwax while the integrated light and magnification support precise visibility. Depending on the amount and consistency of the wax, ear drops or a softening agent may be recommended before treatment.
How to remove ear wax safely?
No earwax-removal method is completely risk-free. Common risk factors that makes your ears feel bad are: perforated ear drum, bruises or scars in the ear canal, active ear infection.
At Toronto Hearing Services, these risk, however, is carefully managed. Tympanometry is always done before ear wax removal is done. This makes sure your eardrum is intact. If any chance your audiologist at Toronto Hearing Services considers your ear unsuitable for ear irrigation, the charges will be waived.
If the ear wax is really bothering you a lot, and you would like to continue with manual removal, the same fee will be charged.
Does Earigator™ ear wax removal hurt?
Many patients find the warm, controlled irrigation comfortable, and the temperature control is designed to help reduce discomfort and dizziness associated with water that is too cold or too hot.
Experiences vary depending on the amount of wax, ear-canal sensitivity, and underlying ear conditions. Tell the professional immediately if you experience pain, dizziness, or unusual discomfort during the appointment.
Who needs ear wax removal?
You’re a candidate if you face any of these symptoms:
Possible signs of earwax buildup include a feeling of fullness or blockage, itchiness, muffled hearing, and changes in how a hearing aid fits or sounds. Earwax can sometimes contribute to conductive hearing loss when it blocks the ear canal.
Note that persistent pain, discharge, sudden hearing loss, or significant dizziness should be assessed promptly by an audiologist, preferably a Doctor in Audiology, rather than assumed to be ordinary earwax buildup.
Can I use ear drops before my Earigator™ appointment?
Ear drops or softening agents may help loosen dry or compacted earwax before removal, and a professional may recommend a specific product and schedule.
Do not use drops if you may have a perforated eardrum or if a professional has advised against them. The team at Toronto Hearing Services will provide preparation instructions and mention any previous ear surgery, ear tubes, discharge, infection, or ear-drum problems before using a product.
Can earwax removal help if I wear hearing aids?
Earwax removal may help when buildup blocks the ear canal, affects the fit of a hearing aid, or contributes to reduced sound clarity.
Toronto Hearing Services recommend hearing aid users have their ears checked for wax regularly because wax can interfere with ear examination and hearing-aid use. If hearing remains reduced after wax removal, further hearing or ear assessment may be needed because not all hearing loss is caused by wax.
Of course, cleaning your hearing aids is also very important!
Where can I book ear wax removal in Toronto, Markham, or Etobicoke?
Toronto Hearing Services provides Earigator™ earwax removal services through locations serving Toronto and surrounding communities, including The Audiology Centre in North York, Markham Stouffville Hearing Services in Markham, and West End Hearing Services in Etobicoke. Contact the clinic to confirm availability, appointment preparation, pricing, and the location best suited to your needs.
Have questions about earwax removal? Contact Toronto Hearing Services to discuss whether Earigator™ is right for you.
We Provide Service to The Following Cities & All of Toronto
The Audiology Centre
Business Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Address: 1333 Sheppard Ave E #340, North York, ON M2J 1V1, Canada
Phone: (416) 498-4151
FAX: 416-498-1589
Markham Stouffville Hearing Services
Business Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 1:30 pm
Address: 377 Church St #203, Markham, ON L6B 1A1, Canada
Phone: (905) 471-4327
FAX: 905-471-4338
West End Hearing Services
Business Hours:
Tuesday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Monday & Friday: Closed
Address: 1243 Islington Ave #711, Etobicoke, ON M8X 1Y9, Canada
Phone: (416) 233-8581
FAX: 416-233-4390