Ear Wax Removal Singapore

Medically Reviewed By: Dr Leonard Leng – MBBS, MMed (FM), GDOM, DWD
Last updated: Dec 19, 2025

Ear wax, medically known as cerumen, is a natural substance formed when glands in your ear canal secrete oils that combine with dead skin cells and hair. It serves several protective functions such as trapping dust, bacteria, and small particles before they can reach your eardrum, while also lubricating the ear canal to prevent dryness and irritation.

Under normal circumstances, ear wax gradually migrates outward and falls away on its own. However, when this self-cleaning process fails or when wax accumulates faster than it can be expelled, impaction occurs. This means the wax becomes tightly packed against the eardrum, forming a blockage that your ear cannot clear on its own.

When wax builds up and hardens against the eardrum, it can muffle your hearing, create persistent discomfort, and even affect your balance.

Professional ear wax removal offers several benefits:

1. Immediate improvement in hearing clarity
2. Relief from pressure, fullness, or discomfort in the ear
3. Resolution of tinnitus (ringing or buzzing sounds in the ear) or dizziness caused by blockage
4. A clear view of your ear canal and eardrum, allowing your doctor to check for any underlying issues

For hearing aid users, regular wax removal helps maintain device performance and prevents damage caused by wax buildup.

Ear wax buildup often develops gradually, meaning you may not notice symptoms until significant blockage has occurred. The most common indication is a noticeable reduction in hearing, particularly in one ear.

Other signs that suggest you may benefit from ear wax removal include:

• A sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear
• Earache or discomfort without signs of infection
• Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or humming sounds)
• Itchiness deep within the ear canal
• Dizziness or a feeling of imbalance
• A persistent cough triggered by ear canal stimulation

Several factors can contribute to ear wax accumulation beyond normal levels. Some individuals naturally produce more cerumen than others due to genetics, while certain lifestyle habits, environmental conditions, and medical conditions can accelerate buildup.

Anatomical Factors

Narrow or unusually shaped ear canals make it more difficult for wax to exit naturally. As you age, ear wax also tends to become drier and harder, reducing its ability to migrate outward.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Cotton bud use remains the most common cause of impacted ear wax. Rather than removing wax, cotton buds push it deeper into the ear canal where it compacts against the eardrum.

In Singapore's humid tropical climate, increased sweating can mix with ear wax and cause it to expand, potentially accelerating blockage. Regular use of in-ear headphones, earplugs, or hearing aids also interferes with the ear's natural cleaning mechanism.

Medical Conditions

Certain health conditions can predispose you to recurrent buildup. Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis can alter wax production and consistency. Diabetes may change ear wax composition, while previous ear surgery or radiation therapy to the head and neck may compromise your ear canal's ability to self-clean.

Three primary techniques are used for professional ear wax removal: microsuction, ear irrigation (syringing), and manual extraction with instruments.

Each method has distinct characteristics, and the most appropriate choice depends on your ear anatomy, the nature of the blockage, and your medical history.

• Microsuction uses a small vacuum device to gently suction wax from the ear canal under direct visualisation with a microscope or otoscope.
• Ear Irrigation (Syringing) uses a controlled stream of warm water to flush out accumulated wax. This method may not be suitable if you have a perforated eardrum, active ear infection, previous ear surgery, or grommets (small tubes inserted into the eardrum) in place.
• Manual Extraction uses specialised instruments such as curettes, forceps, or hooks to physically remove visible wax under direct visualisation.

Is Ear Wax Removal Painful?

Professional ear wax removal is generally well tolerated and most patients describe the experience as uncomfortable rather than painful. The degree of sensation depends on how impacted the wax is, the method used, and individual sensitivity.

You may feel pressure, hear loud noises, or experience brief moments of mild discomfort during the procedure, but this typically resolves immediately once complete. Let your doctor know if you are anxious about discomfort beforehand, or if you experience sharp pain during the procedure.

Most people can resume normal activities immediately after ear wax removal, though your ear may feel slightly sensitive for a few hours. You may notice that sounds seem louder or sharper than before, which is simply your ear adjusting to hearing without obstruction.

You can shower and wash your hair on the same day, taking care to avoid directing water forcefully into your ear canal. Swimming is generally acceptable 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, provided no complications occurred. You can also fly as normal after routine ear wax removal.

Always follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by your doctor.

When to Seek Further Advice

Contact your doctor if you experience persistent pain, bleeding, discharge with an unpleasant odour, dizziness that does not resolve, sudden worsening of hearing, or fever. These symptoms are uncommon but warrant prompt evaluation.

There is no universal schedule for ear wax removal because wax production varies significantly between individuals. Most people never require professional intervention, while others may need removal every six to twelve months.

If you have experienced impaction once, you may be more likely to experience it again, particularly if you have narrow ear canals, use hearing aids, or naturally produce excessive wax. Your doctor can advise on an appropriate maintenance routine based on your history.

At ATA Medical, we provide ear irrigation to remove ear wax at our Jurong clinic, with the prices as follows:

ATA Medical (CPF Jurong Building)