Ear Cleaning Methods Used by Dr. Srour
There are several effective and clinically safe ear cleaning methods to remove earwax, also known as cerumen. At EarSpa and Your Home Audiologist, Dr. Jennifer Srour offers professional ear cleaning services using proven techniques that are both gentle and effective. These methods are available to patients in New York and New Jersey, either in the comfort of your home or at a local office.
Many general providers are not trained in specialized wax removal techniques, which can lead to discomfort or even injury. Dr. Srour is a Doctor of Audiology with professional certification in ear cleaning, and she ensures that all methods are adapted to your comfort level and ear health needs.
3 Safe, Professional Methods of Ear Wax Removal
The most common causes of blocked ears are a buildup of dead skin cells and excess wax. The following are the three primary methods used by Dr. Srour for professional earwax removal:
1 - Manual Removal with Curettes or EarWay Pro
Manual removal involves the careful extraction of wax using an ear curette—an instrument with a looped tip designed to scoop out wax safely. This method is precise and performed under direct visualization, often with a lighted tool.
Dr. Srour may also use the EarWay Pro system, a device with a gentle helix-shaped tip that fits the natural contours of your ear canal. It is rotated slowly to pull wax outward safely and effectively.
In this method, warm (body-temperature) water is gently introduced into the ear canal to soften and flush out wax and debris. This technique is often used when wax is too soft for manual removal or has accumulated near the outer ear canal.
2. Irrigation with Room-Temperature Water
In this method, warm (body-temperature) water is gently introduced into the ear canal to soften and flush out wax and debris. This technique is often used when wax is too soft for manual removal or has accumulated near the outer ear canal.
3 - Microsuction (Ear Vacuuming)
Microsuction is another effective technique for removing earwax. Microsuction can also be referred to as ear vacuuming and this is a common removal process. There is a thin nozzle that fits in your ear, powered by a suction machine that then dislodges and removes wax. This procedure often only lasts a few minutes and is faster than irrigation. A patient may feel slight suction, or hear crackling or squeaking while the machine is working.
Unsafe or Unrecommended Ear Cleaning Methods
While at-home ear cleaning may seem like a convenient solution, certain methods can be harmful and are not recommended by Dr. Srour:
Why You Shouldn’t Use Cotton Swabs (Q-Tips)
Nothing smaller than your elbow should ever be placed in your ear. Cotton swabs can push wax deeper into the canal, increasing the risk of blockage, infection, or damage to the eardrum. Inserting objects into the ear canal can also harm delicate inner ear structures and even cause temporary or permanent hearing loss, vertigo, nausea and in extreme cases loss of taste or facial paralysis.
Avoid Ear Candling
Ear candling is an unproven and dangerous technique that involves placing a lit, hollow candle into the ear. It can cause burns, wax deposits, ear canal blockages, and perforation of the eardrum. There is no scientific evidence that ear candling is effective for removing wax. The candle wax can also drip into your ear canal leading to more clogs or loss of hearing.
It’s best to leave earwax removal to professionals. If you must try at home, only use ear drops to soften wax, but avoid inserting objects into your ears.
Schedule a Professional Ear Cleaning Appointment
If you’re struggling with earwax buildup or blocked ears, book a professional ear cleaning appointment with Dr. Srour. Services are available in New York and New Jersey, either at home or in-office. Contact EarSpa or Your Home Audiologist today to schedule your visit and protect your hearing health.
Our Ear Cleaning Appointments cost $250 and are available at-home or in-office.
Our Locations
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(347) 695-6309
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(347) 695-6309
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(347) 695-6309