Like other parts of your body, your ears are also subject to complications. One such complication arises when the body produces excess ear wax, also known as cerumen, or fails to clear it out properly, leading to a build-up. This natural protective secretion, produced by the ceruminous glands in the ear canal, serves to protect the ear from dust, foreign particles, and microorganisms. It also helps lubricate and maintain the ear’s pH balance.

At Plymouth Urgent Care, we offer ear irrigation, a common method involving a gentle stream of body-temperature water or saline solution released into the ear to soften and dislodge the wax. For more severe cases, our team can perform ear curettage, a manual method using a small, curved instrument known as a curette to gently scrape out the wax.

We also provide guidance on using over-the-counter ear drops that can help soften and dissolve the earwax, facilitating its removal. If necessary, we can perform micro suction or endoscopic ear wax removal, which involves using a microscope or a thin, lighted instrument with a camera for a detailed view of the ear canal and precise wax removal.

If you experience persistent or severe ear pain, hearing loss, or discharge from the ear, our team is readily available to provide you with the necessary medical attention. We may also recommend using ear drops before the procedure to soften the wax, making it easier to remove.

Earwax is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. It serves several critical functions, including protecting the ear canal and eardrum from infection, debris, and water. However, excessive or impacted earwax can lead to discomfort and hearing issues. Neglecting excessive ear wax can escalate to several complications such as hearing loss, ear infection, earache, or tinnitus.

We recommend medical intervention for earwax removal when:

• Significant Hearing Loss: If you observe symptoms like ear discomfort or partial hearing loss due to earwax blockage, it’s advisable to consult with healthcare professionals.

• Earache & Tinnitus: Impacted earwax can cause a ringing or buzzing sound in the ear. If you experience this, consider seeking help from our medical team.

• Discharge or Odor: Foul-smelling or bloody discharge from the ear may indicate an underlying issue.

• Frequent Dizziness & Chronic Cough or Ear Pain: If earwax has migrated into the back of the throat, it can cause persistent coughing or ear pain.

• Inability to Remove Earwax at Home: Over-the-counter earwax softeners and irrigators may not be effective in all cases.

In some cases, earwax impaction can cause serious complications. If you experience severe ear pain, fever, facial pain or weakness, or rapidly worsening hearing loss, visit urgent care immediately.

Also, if you’ve previously had complications related to ear wax or you have a hole in your eardrum, our healthcare providers are ready to assist you.

Often, the first sign of an ear wax blockage is hearing loss, which can either happen gradually or suddenly. This can range from mild to severe impairment but is usually temporary and can be resolved once the blockage is removed.

In some instances, ear wax blockage can also cause tinnitus, a condition marked by a continuous ringing or buzzing sound in the ear. This can disrupt your everyday activities and can be rather bothersome.

When left untreated, compacted ear wax can cause pain and discomfort, itchiness, odor, and discharge. It can also give you a feeling of fullness in your ear, potentially leading to dizziness and balance issues.

One of the more serious complications of untreated ear wax blockage is recurrent ear infections. The wax can trap bacteria in the ear canal, providing a conducive environment for them to flourish. This can lead to severe pain, fever, further hearing loss, and swelling. In more serious cases, if the infection spreads to other parts of the ear, it could lead to more serious complications.

In extreme circumstances, untreated ear wax blockage could lead to a ruptured eardrum, which can cause permanent hearing loss. This is considered a medical emergency.

For children, untreated ear wax blockages can hamper normal language and social development due to hearing impairment. This can result in behavioral changes as the child may get frustrated or upset due to the inability to hear properly.

Our healthcare professionals are trained to safely remove ear wax and provide treatment to prevent future blockages. Note that using a cotton swab to remove ear wax yourself can push the wax further into the ear canal and potentially cause damage to the eardrum.

Ignoring ear wax issues for extended periods can significantly impact your quality of life. It is crucial to practice proper ear hygiene, including regular cleaning, to prevent these complications and maintain optimal ear health.

Cost is often a significant concern when considering medical procedures like earwax removal. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality care at reasonable prices, no matter the severity of your earwax impaction.

Earwax Removal Procedures

• Ear Irrigation: This common method of earwax removal can cost between $50 to $200, depending on the severity of the impaction.

• Microsuction: As an urgent care center, we also offer in-office microsuction procedures. This method, which uses suction to remove earwax, typically costs between $100 and $300.

• Curettage: Otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists) who can perform curettage, a manual scraping of earwax. This procedure typically costs around $200 to $500.

• Home Remedies: If you’re considering over-the-counter earwax removal kits or home remedies involving warm water and hydrogen peroxide, we recommend consulting with our healthcare professionals first. Misuse of these methods can result in further complications, including potential damage to the ear.

Additional Costs

• Anesthesia: If anesthesia is required during your procedure, additional charges may apply. However, we will always discuss these potential costs with you before the procedure.

• Insurance Coverage: We encourage our patients to check with their insurance provider to understand the extent of their coverage for earwax removal procedures.

We understand the importance of affordable healthcare. That’s why we encourage you to compare prices and ask about our discounts or payment plans. As an urgent care center, we often offer lower costs than traditional doctor’s offices.

While considering cost is essential, it’s also important to remember that the experience and expertise of the healthcare professional performing the procedure is crucial. At Bloomfield Urgent Med Care, we pride ourselves on offering expert care in a safe, comfortable environment. We serve patients from Plymouth MI, Bloomfield Hills MI, Livonia MI, Novi MI, Worden MI, Canton MI, Southfield MI, Troy MI, Farmington Hills MI and BEYOND.