Ear Wax Removal
In-Home Urgent Care in Fort Lauderdale, FL

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Earwax (cerumen) is a natural substance that protects your ears by trapping dust, debris, and microorganisms. But when earwax builds up too much or becomes impacted, it can cause discomfort, hearing issues, or even lead to infection. At InMotion Health, we offer convenient earwax removal services from home so you don’t have to wait to get relief.

What Is Earwax Removal? 

Earwax buildup occurs when cerumen accumulates and hardens, blocking the ear canal. This can happen when your ears produce too much wax or when the wax isn’t cleared naturally through jaw movements. People who frequently use earbuds, hearing aids, or cotton swabs may be more prone to earwax impaction. While some wax is normal and healthy, too much can cause uncomfortable symptoms and should be professionally addressed.

How Is Earwax Removal Performed?

At InMotion Health, a licensed medical provider will visit your home to examine your ears in person and confirm the presence of any blockage. Depending on the consistency of the wax and your level of comfort, we’ll choose the most appropriate method for safe removal. 

Treatment options may include the use of softening drops (cerumenolytics) to help dissolve hardened wax and warm water irrigation. If you’re also experiencing symptoms such as ear pain, discharge, or fever, we may collect samples for diagnostic testing through our lab partners and prescribe antibiotics if an infection is confirmed.

Earwax Removal Required Symptoms

Signs of earwax impaction can vary depending on the severity and individual sensitivity. Common symptoms include:

  • A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
  • Decreased or muffled hearing
  • Earache or discomfort
  • Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
  • Dizziness or imbalance
  • Itching in the ear canal
  • Odor or discharge from the ear

If you experience sudden hearing loss or persistent symptoms, it’s important to seek care promptly to avoid complications.

What Causes the Need for Earwax Removal?

Several factors can contribute to excessive earwax or impaction, including:

  • Frequent use of earbuds or hearing aids
  • Improper use of cotton swabs, which push wax deeper
  • Narrow or curved ear canals
  • Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis in the ear
  • Aging, which may affect natural wax migration
  • Overproduction of wax due to genetics or irritation

While earwax usually clears itself naturally, these factors can interfere with the process and lead to buildup.

Why Is Earwax Removal Treatment Important? 

Prompt removal of impacted earwax is important for both comfort and ear health. When left untreated, a blockage can cause persistent pressure, earaches, and temporary hearing loss. It may also increase your risk of infection or damage to the ear canal. In some cases, earwax buildup can interfere with hearing aids or lead to confusion with other medical conditions, resulting in delayed or inappropriate treatment. Timely care not only relieves discomfort but can also restore hearing, prevent further complications, and reduce symptoms like dizziness or imbalance. 

How Can I Prevent Future Earwax Buildup? 

Preventing future earwax buildup starts with avoiding habits that can push wax deeper into the ear canal, such as using cotton swabs or inserting objects into the ear. Instead, practice gentle ear hygiene by wiping the outer ear with a damp cloth and allowing the ear’s natural self-cleaning process to work. For individuals prone to buildup, periodic use of doctor-recommended ear drops can help keep wax soft and manageable. If you wear hearing aids or earbuds regularly, routine check-ins with a provider can ensure your ears stay clear and healthy.

Who to Trust with Treatment 

At InMotion Health, our in-home care model allows you to get expert help wherever you are, whether you need routine earwax removal or support for more complex ear-related symptoms. We’re here to help with safe, gentle, and convenient care; book an in-home urgent care consultation today and take the first step toward clear, comfortable hearing.

Ear Wax Removal FAQs

What are the signs of excessive earwax buildup?

Many people experience a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear, along with muffled hearing that seems to worsen after showering, as wax absorbs moisture. Other common signs include itching, discomfort, ringing in the ears, dizziness, or the presence of visible wax in the ear canal. In more severe cases, the buildup may cause pain or temporary hearing loss.

How do in-home earwax removal services work?

In-home earwax removal services bring a trained medical professional directly to your home, offering a convenient and comfortable alternative to traveling to a clinic. During the visit, the provider examines your ears to determine whether wax is blocking the canal and which removal method is safest. They then use medical-grade tools and sterile techniques to clear the blockage, ensuring a safe, efficient experience.

What methods are used to safely remove earwax?

Safe earwax removal typically involves one of several medical techniques chosen based on the consistency of the wax and your comfort level. Providers may use warm-water irrigation to flush out softened wax or manual extraction tools such as curettes to carefully lift wax from the canal under direct visualization.

How can I prevent earwax buildup in the future?

Preventing earwax buildup starts with avoiding anything that pushes wax deeper into the ear, especially cotton swabs, ear candles, or metal objects. Keeping ears dry, avoiding frequent insertion of earbuds, and scheduling periodic professional cleanings can also help reduce recurrent impactions and maintain clear, comfortable hearing.

Is earwax removal safe for children and seniors?

Earwax removal is safe for children and seniors when performed by a qualified medical professional who understands how to work with sensitive ear canals. Both age groups are more prone to complications; children may have difficulty sitting still, and seniors often have drier or more impacted wax, so professional care is the safest approach.

When should I seek urgent care for earwax removal?

You should seek urgent care for earwax removal if you experience severe ear pain, sudden or significant hearing loss, fever, dizziness, or drainage that appears pus-like or bloody. These symptoms may indicate an infection or another underlying issue that requires immediate attention. It’s also important to seek urgent care if an object becomes lodged in the ear or if you suspect the problem isn’t simply wax but something more serious.

Why is it important to see a medical professional for earwax removal?

Seeing a medical professional for earwax removal is important because they can safely clean the ear canal while minimizing risks such as eardrum injury or infection. They can also identify conditions that mimic wax buildup, such as infections or inflammation, ensuring that you receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Can I remove earwax at home, or should I see a professional?

While mild wax buildup may be relieved with over-the-counter drops, attempting manual removal at home is not recommended because it can push wax deeper or injure the ear canal or eardrum. If symptoms persist, you have a history of ear problems, or you’re unsure whether the symptoms are due to wax, it’s best to see a professional.

What complications can occur if earwax buildup is left untreated?

If earwax buildup is left untreated, it can lead to worsening hearing loss, increased pressure in the ear, persistent discomfort, and tinnitus. Impacted wax can also trap moisture and bacteria, leading to ear infections that may cause additional pain and drainage. Over time, the blockage can interfere with hearing aids or make the ear more prone to recurrent issues.

How long does an in-home earwax removal appointment take?

An in-home earwax removal appointment typically takes between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on how impacted the earwax is and which removal method is needed. The visit includes an examination of the ear canal, the removal procedure itself, and a short follow-up discussion to ensure you understand aftercare and feel comfortable with the results before the provider leaves.

When in Doubt

If you or someone else is experiencing severe or life-threatening symptoms and you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room. It’s always safer to seek immediate care rather than delay treatment.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is intended to support your care by providing general education and information, but it should not replace guidance from a licensed medical professional. We recommend consulting with one of our trained clinicians—either virtually or through our in-home services—for an accurate evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Meet Your In-Home Expert

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Carly Oliveri, PA-C

Lead Provider & Founder

Carly Oliveri is a board-certified Physician Assistant with extensive experience in emergency medicine and urgent care. She earned her undergraduate degree in Health Science from the University of Florida and completed her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies at the Pace University Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant Program in Manhattan, New York.

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Absolutely amazing service! InMotion Health made getting care so easy and convenient. The provider was professional, compassionate, and thorough. Highly recommend for anyone looking for top-notch care at home or virtually!

- Easy and Convenient

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I was visiting from out of town and needed urgent care — InMotion Health was amazing! The provider came right to my hotel, handled everything on the spot, and made the process so easy. Professional, friendly, and convenient. Highly recommend for travelers!

- Professional, friendly, and convenient

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