Clear Earwax Buildup and Hear More Comfortably

Earwax normally protects the ear canal, but too much can create a plugged sensation, reduce hearing and interfere with hearing-aid performance. If your ears feel blocked or your hearing aids are not sounding as clear as usual, a professional examination can determine whether wax is contributing to the problem.

At Colorado Hearing in Montrose, Colorado, Brian Bennett, BC-HIS, provides professional ear cleaning for adults using video otoscopy and a cleaning method selected for the condition of the ear canal. Call 970-318-2010 to schedule an earwax evaluation.

When Does Earwax Need to Be Removed?

Healthy ears are often self-cleaning. Skin in the ear canal gradually moves outward, carrying old wax with it. Professional removal may be appropriate when wax accumulates faster than it can naturally leave the canal or when it interferes with hearing, testing or hearing-aid use.

Signs of excessive earwax may include:

  • A blocked, plugged or full sensation in the ear
  • Muffled or reduced hearing
  • Itching or discomfort in the ear canal
  • Ringing or buzzing in the ear
  • Hearing aids that sound weak, distorted or inconsistent
  • Frequent hearing-aid feedback
  • Visible wax blocking the ear canal

These symptoms can have causes other than earwax. An examination helps determine whether cleaning is appropriate or whether medical evaluation should come first.

Ear Cleaning for Hearing-Aid Wearers

People who wear hearing aids may be more likely to experience wax-related performance problems. A device or earmold can interfere with the ear’s natural wax migration, while wax can block microphones, receivers and sound openings.

Removing excessive wax can help:

  • Restore a more secure and comfortable hearing-aid fit
  • Reduce feedback caused by blocked sound pathways
  • Protect hearing-aid components from wax buildup
  • Support more accurate hearing testing and programming
  • Make professional cleaning and maintenance more effective

If your devices still need attention after your ears are clear, Colorado Hearing also provides hearing-aid cleaning, repair and reprogramming.

What to Expect During an Earwax Removal Appointment

Your appointment begins with a review of your symptoms and relevant ear-health history. Brian Bennett then uses video otoscopy to examine the ear canal and eardrum. You can view the images and see whether wax is present and how much of the canal it is blocking.

The appropriate cleaning method depends on the amount, location and consistency of the wax as well as the condition of the ear canal. Methods used at Colorado Hearing may include:

  • Gentle lavage
  • Curettes
  • Forceps
  • Suction
  • Swabs used where clinically appropriate

After cleaning, the ear canal is examined again. If symptoms continue after the wax is removed, Brian Bennett may recommend a comprehensive hearing evaluation or referral to an appropriate medical provider.

Experienced Earwax Care in Montrose

Brian Bennett is a Board Certified Hearing Specialist and Colorado-licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser who has served adults in Montrose since 2010. He has provided more than 5,000 ear-cleaning appointments and uses video otoscopy to evaluate the ear canal before and after treatment.

Professional experience is especially important when wax is deeply positioned, the ear canal is sensitive or a patient wears hearing aids that depend on a clear sound pathway and precise physical fit.

Avoid Cotton Swabs and Ear Candling

Inserting cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canal can push wax deeper, irritate the canal or injure the eardrum. Cotton swabs should only be used on the outside of the ear.

Ear candling has not been shown to remove earwax and can cause burns, blockage or other injuries. If your ears feel plugged, schedule an examination instead of attempting to remove deep wax at home.

When Medical Evaluation May Be Needed

Some symptoms require medical evaluation rather than routine ear cleaning. If your symptoms or ear examination indicate a concern outside the clinic’s scope, Brian Bennett will recommend an appropriate referral.

Review our guidance on when medical evaluation should come before hearing testing. Seek prompt medical attention for sudden hearing changes, significant pain, bleeding, drainage, injury or severe dizziness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ear Cleaning

Does everyone need regular professional ear cleaning?

No. Many ears naturally move wax out of the canal without assistance. Professional cleaning may be helpful when wax causes symptoms, blocks the canal, interferes with testing or affects hearing-aid performance.

Can earwax cause hearing loss?

Excessive or impacted wax can block sound and cause temporary muffled hearing. If hearing does not return after the canal is clear, a comprehensive hearing evaluation may be recommended.

Can I remove earwax with cotton swabs?

Cotton swabs can push wax deeper into the canal and may irritate or injure the ear. Clean only the outside of the ear and have deeper buildup professionally examined.

Can earwax affect my hearing aids?

Yes. Wax can block sound openings, damage components, create feedback and change how an earmold or hearing aid fits. Professional ear and device cleaning can help protect performance.

Which ear-cleaning method will be used?

The method depends on the condition of your ear canal and the location and consistency of the wax. Brian Bennett will examine the ear first and select an appropriate method.

What if my symptoms are not caused by earwax?

If the examination does not show wax buildup or symptoms continue after cleaning, Brian Bennett may recommend hearing testing or referral to an appropriate medical provider.

Schedule Professional Ear Cleaning

If earwax is affecting your comfort, hearing or hearing-aid performance, schedule an examination before trying to remove it yourself. Call Colorado Hearing at 970-318-2010 for professional ear cleaning in Montrose, Colorado.