Got an Ear Full? Here's Some Advice for Ear Wax Removal

Ear wax (cerumen; its medical term) is a naturally occurring substance with an important job—it protects and cleans your ear canals! ear wax removal is also usually naturally occurring, but doesn’t always happen the way it’s supposed to. This can lead to accumulation, hardening, and blockages (also known as impaction). It’s not uncommon, either. About 5% of adults and over 50% of seniors are dealing with this problem at any given time.

At Audiology First, we are cognisant of this issue in the general population, and would like to help educate the public on how they can be proactive when it comes to ear wax removal, both at-home and in-clinic. This is useful information for everybody to learn; let’s explore how to safely remove ear wax at home and understand when you should see a professional.

Safe At-Home Removal Methods

In many cases of mild ear wax buildup, there are safe, gentle, easy-to-follow methods that you can try at home! However, if you have severe ear pain, signs of infection, symptoms of eardrum rupture, or if you’ve had ear surgery, home removal should be avoided (these cases require professional care).

Here are some step-by-step ear wax removal tips you can start using today:

Soften the Wax

Take a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or a 50/50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and water into the affected ear. By using about two warm drops (twice a day for up to five days) it can help loosen up hardened wax. You want to make sure the liquid is at body temperature, as cold liquid can cause discomfort and/or dizziness.

Gently Rinse the Ear

After softening the wax, use warm (not hot) water to help flush it out. To do this simply at home, let warm water flow into your ear while you’re showering, then just tilt your head to drain it out. This kind of gentle flushing can help remove any wax that you’ve loosened up.

Dry the Ear

After rinsing, you’re going to want to pat the outer ear dry with a soft towel. There can be an urge to dig into the ear while drying, but this is something you want to avoid. Keep things gentle and on the outside.

Use a Wax Softener if Needed

If the wax is being stubborn, you can try an over-the-counter ear wax softening drop, which is available at most pharmacies. After 1-2 days, you can use a rubber bulb ear syringe with lukewarm water to help gentle flush out the ear.

Repeat Gently if Necessary

Some scenarios may require you to repeat these steps another time. Always place an emphasis on being gentle and patient; the ear is a delicate structure that you need to be careful with. If you feel like you’re forcing it in any way, it’s better to seek professional help than to risk injury. Most minor wax buildup cases can be safely managed with the above methods.

When to See a Professional

There are several cases where ear wax removal needs to be handled by a professional. If you experience any of the following, it’s time to reach out to the expert team we have waiting for you here at Audiology First:

Severe Symptoms

Sudden significant hearing loss, fluid discharge (pus or blood), and/or intense ear pain are all telltale signs that you need to see a professional. These things could indicate an infection, eardrum injury, or other situation that requires medical attention.

Persistent Blockage or Hearing Issues

If your ears remain full, blocked, or you experience ringing (tinnitus), even after trying the above at-home treatments for a week, it’s time to book in for an appointment.

Recurring or Heavy Buildup

If ear wax buildup is a recurrent issue for you, and you often require cleanings or the use of our earlier outlined at-home steps, a professional can help assess the underlying causes. This can lead to a longer-term solution that requires less maintenance down the road.

Existing Ear Health Conditions

A history of ear surgery, perforated eardrum, ear tubes, and other such conditions mean that you should always consult a healthcare professional when it comes to ear wax removal.

Audiologists use specialized tools like suction devices, curettes, and otoscopes to remove wax safely under their direct supervision. Professional ear cleanings are quick, effective, and (in cases like we just described) sometimes the only truly safe solution.

Risk of Unsafe Removal Methods

Some of the popular ear wax removal “hacks” you see online can actually cause more harm than good—avoid the following:

Cotton Swabs (Q-tips) or Other Objects

Swabs, keys, bobby pins…don’t put them in your ears. They can actually push wax deeper, and worsen blockages to the point of even causing eardrum damage.

Ear Candling

Health Canada warns against this practice due to its serious risks. Burns, hot wax dripping into the ear, and even puncturing your eardrum are possible outcomes that can and should be avoided. It has no proven benefits, and is actually illegal to sell as a health product in Canada.

High-Pressure Irrigation Devices

Tools that exert a lot of pressure (like dental water-piks, for example) are too forceful for the delicate structures of the ear, and can easily lead to damage. Gentle rinses or professional irrigation are the only recommended ways of flushing out your ear.

Overuse of Ear Drops

Frequent drops in the ear can actually irritate the ear canal; you want to make sure you follow the recommended guidelines, and seek medical advice if you find you’re having to frequently resort to drops for ear wax removal.

ear wax is a natural, protective substance that usually takes care of itself. But when it doesn’t, it can cause problems. Safe home removal techniques can help in mild cases, but if you experience persistent symptoms, severe pain, or recurrent buildup, seeking professional help is the best choice.

Not sure if your ears are in the clear? Let our experts at Audiology First take a look! Our team can safely remove excessive ear wax and get you back to comfortable, clear hearing. Book an appointment online with us today!

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Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Medical Emergency You Can't Ignore

October 3, 2025

When it comes to audiology, there’s only one true emergency: sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) . Unlike gradual hearing loss that develops over years, SSNHL appears abruptly and requires immediate medical attention. Audiology First specializes in rapid emergency hearing care, with diagnostic protocols and treatment pathways designed to act fast when every hour matters. Quick intervention can mean the difference between full recovery and permanent hearing damage. Let’s learn how to recognize warning signs and understand what a treatment plan would look like. Understanding Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Definition and Criteria To an Audiologist, sudden sensorineural hearing loss is defined as a 30+ dB hearing loss (which in layman's terms would be a very noticeable change) across three different pitches of hearing within 72 hours. For it to be a true sudden sensorineural loss, it cannot be related to anything else, like wax blockage, fluid buildup or a blockage. It happens without warning and is often mistaken for a minor issue like earwax buildup or fluid in the ear, but the stakes are often much higher. Prevalence and Demographics SSNHL affects about 5 to 20 per 100,000 people annually , with thousands of cases reported across Canada. While it can strike at any age, adults in their 40s and 50s are more commonly affected. Unilateral vs. Bilateral Most cases are unilateral (one ear), but in rare circumstances, hearing loss can affect both ears. Bilateral cases are especially urgent and may point to underlying systemic or autoimmune conditions. Associated Symptoms Patients often experience additional warning signs such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, or a sensation of fullness in the affected ear. Audiology First’s Emergency Assessment Our clinic prioritizes same-day evaluations , including audiometric testing and immediate physician referral when needed. By identifying SSNHL quickly, we aim to maximize the window for effective treatment and recovery. Remember that hearing care centers like Audiology First cannot treat sudden loss, but play a role in identifying it. If you cannot see an audiologist or another trained hearing care professional right away, you should not delay seeking medical help from a physician. If same day testing is not available, you should continue to seek help as a matter of urgency. We recommend using one or more of the following resources: Call Alberta Healthlink on 311 Visit an Urgent Care center Visit your local Emergency Room or Call a local Ear Nose and Throat specialist’s office Recognizing the Warning Signs Immediate Symptoms The hallmark sign is sudden hearing loss in one ear , which may feel like muffled sounds or difficulty understanding speech. Secondary Indicators Other red flags include persistent tinnitus, balance issues, and ear pressure that can accompany the hearing loss. When to Seek Emergency Care Time is of the essence. Some research shows that treatment is most effective when started within the first 72 hours . While some people’s hearing may recover spontaneously with or without treatment, delaying medical attention can lead to permanent hearing impairment . In some cases, hearing does not recover, even with prompt treatment. If you are experiencing dizziness at the same time as a hearing loss, do not drive yourself to seek help, but consider getting someone to drive you to any immediate appointments. Self-Assessment Techniques At home, a simple test is to cover one ear at a time when listening to a familiar sound (such as your phone or TV). If one side sounds significantly quieter or distorted, it’s an urgent signal to seek help. If you are a hearing aid user, it is important to check that your hearing aid is not blocked or malfunctioning in some way, giving the appearance of a sudden change in hearing. Treatment Options and Protocols Audiologists and Hearing Care Professionals cannot prescribe medications, but these are some of the options offered to people with sudden loss when they visit a medical professional. Corticosteroid Therapy The primary treatment for SSNHL is corticosteroids, delivered either orally or through intratympanic injections. These reduce inflammation and improve the likelihood of hearing recovery. Prednisone is often prescribed. Treatment Timing Prompt treatment is crucial. Patients who start therapy within 14 days of onset have significantly better outcomes. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For patients who don’t respond to steroids, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can serve as a salvage treatment, improving oxygen delivery to the inner ear. Supportive Care Managing related issues like tinnitus or dizziness may require additional therapies, including hearing aids or vestibular rehabilitation. Audiology First’s Treatment Approach We have a great relationship with the local ENT specialists, and coordinate all aspects of care with them to ensure each patient has access to the best possible recovery options. Recovery and Rehabilitation Recovery Timelines: Recovery can range from a few days to several months, depending on the severity and speed of treatment. Some patients regain full hearing, while others experience only partial improvement. Hearing Aid Considerations: For those with lasting deficits, modern hearing aids can provide amplification and restore communication confidence. Tinnitus Management: Persistent ringing in the ears is often a consequence of hearing loss that can be managed through sound therapy, well fitted hearing aids, counseling, and tinnitus retraining techniques. Follow-up Care: You should return to the clinic for a series of routine follow up tests over the weeks and months following a sudden hearing loss. This allows us to measure whether treatments have been successful, and to treat any residual hearing loss. Audiology First’s Rehabilitation Services For those who need it, Our team provides comprehensive recovery support, including custom hearing aid fittings, counseling, and personalized rehabilitation plans. Prevention and Risk Factors Known Risk Factors Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss has been linked to the following: Viral infections Autoimmune disorders Circulatory problems Certain medications Age-related vulnerabilities Protective Measures Protecting your hearing from loud noise, avoiding ototoxic medications when possible, and treating systemic health issues can lower risk. Early Detection Baseline hearing tests and regular audiology check-ups can help detect changes early and establish a benchmark for comparison. Lifestyle Factors It is difficult to note which factors may reduce the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, but a healthy lifestyle—including balanced nutrition, exercise, and cardiovascular health—supports long-term hearing preservation. Audiology First’s Prevention Programs We provide preventive screenings, personalized risk assessments, and educational resources so patients can take proactive steps toward protecting their hearing health. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss is not a typical hearing problem…it’s a medical emergency. If you or someone you know experiences sudden hearing loss, don’t wait, contact Audiology First immediately during business hours, or contact any other trusted hearing care clinic. If you cannot reach us, please seek immediate medical attention. Book your hearing evaluation today and take the first proactive step in protecting your long-term hearing health.