Ear Hygiene & Wax Removal

At Atlantic ENT, we provide safe and effective ear hygiene and wax removal treatments to keep your ears clean, healthy, and functioning at their best.

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Professional Ear Hygiene & Wax Removal in Central Florida

Healthy ears are essential for clear hearing and overall comfort. While earwax is a natural and protective substance, excessive buildup can lead to discomfort, hearing loss, or even infection. At Atlantic Ear, Nose & Throat, our ear specialists provide gentle, medically supervised ear cleanings and wax removal using advanced techniques designed for safety and precision. Whether you’re experiencing blocked ears, ringing, or fullness, our team will help you restore balance and clarity—without the risks that come from home removal methods.

Understanding Earwax and Its Role

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is produced by glands in the ear canal to trap dust, debris, and microorganisms. It serves as a natural defense mechanism, keeping your ears clean and preventing infections. Normally, earwax works its way out of the canal on its own. However, in some cases, it can accumulate and harden, leading to blockage or irritation.

Common causes of earwax buildup include:

The use of cotton swabs, earbuds, or hearing aids
Narrow or curved ear canals
Increased wax production due to skin conditions or aging
Ear infections or inflammation

When earwax becomes impacted, it can cause symptoms such as ear fullness, muffled hearing, pain, itching, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus). If left untreated, it can even contribute to dizziness or infections.

Proper Ear Hygiene Practices

Good ear hygiene starts with understanding what not to do. Many people try to clean their ears using cotton swabs, bobby pins, or other household items. Unfortunately, these methods often push wax deeper into the ear canal and increase the risk of damage to the eardrum.

Instead, we recommend:

Gently cleaning only the outer ear with a soft, damp cloth.
Avoiding insertion of any objects into the ear canal.
Keeping your ears dry after swimming or showering.
Using hearing protection in noisy environments.

If you frequently experience wax buildup, regular check-ups at Atlantic ENT can help prevent impaction and ensure your ears remain healthy.

Signs You May Need Professional Wax Removal

You may need a professional ear cleaning if you experience:

A sensation of fullness or blockage in the ear
Hearing loss or muffled sounds
Ear pain or discomfort
Itching or odor in the ear canal
Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
Dizziness or imbalance

Professional evaluation is especially important for patients with ear tubes, a history of ear surgery, or chronic ear infections, as these conditions require specialized care.

Methods of Ear Wax Removal at Atlantic ENT

Our specialists use several safe and effective techniques to remove earwax depending on the type and severity of buildup. Each method is performed under direct visualization using an otoscope or microscope, ensuring precision and comfort.

Irrigation

This gentle technique uses a stream of water or saline solution to flush out wax from the ear canal. It’s effective for soft or moderate buildup and provides immediate relief.

Microsuction

Microsuction is a preferred method for impacted or hard wax. Using a small suction device, our provider gently removes wax under magnification, avoiding contact with the eardrum and minimizing discomfort.

Curettage

In some cases, a specialized instrument called a curette may be used to carefully scoop out wax from the ear canal. This approach is ideal for targeted removal when irrigation or suction alone is insufficient.

Softening Drops

When wax is too hard to remove immediately, medicated ear drops may be prescribed to soften it before removal. These drops can also help prevent future buildup when used as directed.

Each treatment is customized to your specific needs and ear health. Our goal is always to restore hearing and comfort while protecting the integrity of the ear canal and eardrum.

The Procedure: What to Expect

During your appointment, your provider will first examine your ears using an otoscope or microscope to determine the extent of wax buildup. After selecting the most appropriate removal technique, the procedure is completed in just a few minutes with minimal discomfort.

Most patients experience immediate relief in hearing and comfort following treatment. If inflammation or infection is present, your provider may prescribe ear drops or additional follow-up care to ensure full recovery.

Post-Removal Care and Prevention

Following wax removal, our team will discuss preventive measures to reduce the risk of future buildup. These may include:

Avoiding the use of cotton swabs or ear candling
Using doctor-recommended ear drops if wax tends to harden
Scheduling periodic cleanings if you produce excess wax or wear hearing aids
Keeping the ears dry and clean to prevent bacterial growth

Regular ear checkups—especially for individuals with chronic ear conditions—can help maintain long-term ear health and hearing clarity.

Why Choose Atlantic ENT for Ear Hygiene and Wax Removal?

At Atlantic ENT, your ear health is our priority. Our board-certified ENT physicians and trained specialists use the safest and most advanced techniques for earwax removal and ear hygiene management. With three convenient Central Florida locations and same-day appointments available, we make it easy to receive expert care without long waits or discomfort. Trust our team for gentle, thorough treatment that restores clarity and keeps your ears in peak condition.

Ear Hygiene & Wax Removal FAQs

How do I know if I have a valid product liability case?

To have a valid product liability case, you must have suffered an injury or harm as a result of using a product, and the product must have been defective in some way, whether through its design, manufacturing, or failure to warn.

What do I have to prove to get compensation in a product liability case?

To get compensation in a product liability case, you must prove that the product was defective and that the defect caused your injury or harm. You must also show that you used the product as intended and did not contribute to the defect in any way.

What type of damages are available to be compensated for in a defective product case?

Damages that may be available in a defective product case include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant for particularly egregious conduct and may be awarded in cases where the defendant acted recklessly or with intentional disregard for the safety of consumers.

How long do I have to file a product liability case?

The statute of limitations for product liability cases varies by state, but generally, you have a limited amount of time from the date of the injury or harm to file a lawsuit. In New York, it is three years. It's important to consult with a qualified personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines.