Ear Wax Removal

Cerumen, or ear wax, is a vital cleaning and protective fluid for your ear canal. This substance is made by glands in the ear and slowly flows out of the ear, taking debris, bacteria and dead skin cells with it. Normally, the ear wax dries as it reaches the outer ear and floats away in the air, but sometimes it can become trapped in the ear. Ear wax blockages are common, which can cause hearing loss and other problems. Our team at Julie Zweig, MD Integrative Sleep & ENT can provide ear wax removal and ear cleaning at our ENT center in Alpharetta, GA.

What Causes Ear Wax Blockages?

Cerumen is meant to flow easily out of the ear, but there are circumstances where it can be pushed or blocked inside the ear. The most common cause of ear wax buildup is due to objects entering the ear. Using cotton swabs or other items to “clean” the ear is risky for many reasons. You should not stick anything inside your ear, as it can damage your ear drum, and these actions can also push ear wax farther back in the ear. The wax can dry and harden inside the ear and cause multiple problems.

Signs of Ear Wax Buildup

If you have ear wax blockages, you will likely experience some pain and pressure inside the ear. If the blockage is large, you may have some hearing loss or muffling of sound in the ear. Dirty or waxy ears can release a bad odor and may leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Most cerumen blockages can be remedied with home treatments. There are over-the-counter treatments that can soften the wax and allow it to be flushed out of the ear. However, if there is a large blockage or you are unable to perform the cleaning yourself, you may need an ENT specialist to remove your wax blockage.

At Julie Zweig, MD Integrative Sleep & ENT, we can perform ear wax removal using prescription drops or with extraction. If you have cerumen buildup and need an ear cleaning, call our clinic to schedule an appointment. Contact our center in Alpharetta, GA, to book your visit for ear wax removal.