Ear Wax Removal Cost In Singapore

Ear wax production is a natural process and a way for the body to protect the inner organs of the ears. The wax coats the ear canal, which helps trap external factors like dust and dirt from entering the deeper portions of the ear, keeping the eardrums safe. However, there are instances where this seemingly harmless substance can affect our hearing negatively—by building up and blocking the entire ear canal. How much does ear wax removal cost in Singapore? Read further to find out.

Causes of ear wax build-up

Many people think that the ear canal needs to be swabbed clean of ear wax. Isn’t that what cotton buds are for? Well, you may do more harm to your ear by poking a cotton bud inside. How so?

Ear wax naturally dries up and falls from the ears, so the ear canal does not need any help to get cleaned. When a cotton bud is used to remove ear wax, chances are the wax gets pushed back instead of sticking to the cotton swab. This may result to ear wax impaction.

Blockage of ear wax may also be caused by too much production of the substance. Among children, ear wax impaction may happen when the dried wax gets pushed back into the ear canal by their tiny fingers. This is likewise possible for adults who use ear plugs often.

An ear canal that is hairy, narrow, or have abnormally shaped can also prevent the ear wax from being pushed out, which results in impaction.

Symptoms of ear wax build-up

You may be experiencing ear wax build-up if you experience the following symptoms:

Discharges from the ear
Ear that feels heavy
Ear infections
Itchy ears
Muffled or decreased hearing
Pain inside the ear
Ringing sound in the ears (Tinnitus)
Vertigo

It is important to consult with a doctor if these symptoms are present. Do not attempt to remove impacted ear wax on your own or with the help of someone who is not a medical expert as this can damage your ears. Sometimes, you may find yourself asking yourself why does my ear wax smell bad? Don’t let the problem get worse, ask an audiologist today!

Types of ear wax removal

There are various ways to remove ear wax buildup—and no, using cotton buds to remove them on your own is not one of the options. Here are four common techniques used to safely remove impacted ear wax:

Ear Wax Drops
Ear Irrigation or Syringing
Endoscopic Ear Wax Removal
Micro-suction Ear Wax Removal

The table below summarizes how each technique works, the pros and cons, and cost in Singapore.

Type of Ear Wax Removal	Pros	Cons	Cost
Ear wax drops. Ear wax drops are prescribed and prepared over-the-counter medications that are available at local pharmacies. The drops are either made from saline or sodium bicarbonate (water-based) or olive oil (oil-based). When applied, the ear wax is becomes soft and loose, making it easy to remove.	Cheaper as compared to other methods. Ear drops are easily available at pharmacies Ear drops are applied at home	Application is repeated several times per day Can be time consuming One must be mindful of administering the medication at room temperature only to avoid complications Severe ear wax build up or blockage may not be removed successfully	Starts from $18.00
Ear irrigation or syringing. This method of ear wax removal uses water that is squirted into the ear canal using a pressure regulated ear irrigation pump with a jet tip. Ear irrigation or syringing should only be done by an experienced medical professional to ensure safety.	Done in 15 to 30 minutes May only need one session when done successfully	Preparations are done at least two weeks before the procedure especially if the ear wax is hard Not ideal for patients with cleft palate, perforated eardrum, mastoid cavity from a mastoidectomy, or when a foreign object is lodged in the ear canal Not recommended after having an ear surgery May cause tinnitus and/or puncture the eardrum May cause bacteria infection when water is not fully flushed out from the ear canal	Starts from $40.00
Endoscopic ear wax removal. This technique is done by a doctor using an oto-endoscope and an ear hook or a gentle medical suction pump to locate and remove the wax from the ear canal.	Quick Safe Minimal side effects	Tolerable noise from suction machine Dizziness although temporary Minor risk of experiencing tinnitus	Starts from $50.00
Micro-suction ear wax removal. This method of removing ear wax makes use of an ear microscope and a small suction to remove ear wax build up from the ear canal.	Done in about 10 to 15 minutes Safe Able to remove other foreign object from the ear canal Able to remove any unwanted and abnormal discharge that affects the proper absorption of medicated drops for healing Effective treatment for ear canals that suffer from eczema	Tolerable noise from suction machine Minor risk of scratching the ear canal in case of a patient’s sudden movement	Starts from $105.00

Where to go for ear wax build-up extraction

The best person to get help from when having ear wax problem—or any ear-related problem—is an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor. Also called otolaryngologists, ENTs are highly educated and trained in dealing with conditions, disorders, and diseases that affect the health of the ears, nose, and throat, including the following body parts:

Adenoids
Ear tubes
Larynx
Mouth
Sinuses
Thyroid
Throat

These doctors may also specialize in treating head, neck, and throat cancers. They may also do ear surgeries and also cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries on the head and neck.

Dr Benjamin Loh of Dr Ben Medical is a reputable ENT doctor based in Singapore who specializes in Men’s Health, ENT, and Dermatology.