Does otolaryngology perform ear wax removal?

The clinician first looks inside the ear to confirm that wax is causing the blockage and to check the ear canal and eardrum. Removal may involve gentle suction, a small instrument or carefully controlled water when suitable. The choice depends on the amount and position of wax, the condition of the ear and your medical history. Hearing may feel clearer after the blockage is removed, but pain, discharge or persistent hearing change can point to another problem.

Do not insert cotton buds, hairpins or other objects into the ear. Tell the clinic about previous ear surgery, a perforated eardrum, ear tubes, discharge, pain or frequent infections before removal. Follow any advice about softening drops; do not use drops if a clinician has told you that the eardrum is not intact. Afterward, keep the ear dry if advised and return if blockage or reduced hearing persists.

Seek prompt care for sudden hearing loss, severe ear pain, spinning dizziness, facial weakness, blood or pus from the ear, or fever with worsening symptoms. These features should be assessed rather than treated as simple wax. Contact the service if pain or dizziness develops during or after removal.

Is wax definitely causing my symptoms? Which removal method suits my ear? Do I need softening drops? Is there any reason to avoid irrigation? How should I prevent repeated blockage?