Earwax Removal

Every removal at Precision Hearing happens under direct visualization — your audiologist watches the canal in real time through a magnified or video otoscope, never blindly. From there, we choose the tool that matches the wax in front of us: a fine curette for dry or near-canal buildup, gentle suction for softer or deeper wax, or low-pressure irrigation when it's the most comfortable option for the situation.

Most visits run 15 to 30 minutes and end with a quick ear-health check before you head out. If we find anything that needs ENT follow-up, you leave with a clear written recommendation. Call (210) 695-4708 to book your appointment.

Cotton swabs tend to push wax deeper into the canal, where it packs against the eardrum and becomes harder to reach — the opposite of what you intended. They can also scratch the delicate canal skin or, if inserted too far, injure the eardrum itself. Over-the-counter drops sometimes soften wax, but they're a poor substitute when a blockage has already formed.

Ear candling is both ineffective and risky: research consistently shows it doesn't remove wax, and it can cause burns, blockage from melted candle wax, or eardrum damage. If you're dealing with a stubborn blockage, skip the home remedies and call (210) 695-4708.

It varies from patient to patient. Most adults' ears clean themselves naturally and never need professional help. Others produce more wax or have narrow or curved canals that trap it, and they benefit from periodic visits — anywhere from twice a year to once every few years, depending on how quickly buildup returns.

Hearing aid wearers, frequent earbud users, and anyone with persistent itching or recurring blockages tend to need more attention, because anything worn in the ear slows the natural clearing process. The simplest rule we give patients in San Antonio: come in when symptoms return, not on a fixed schedule. Call (210) 695-4708 when you're ready.