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 actually affect our hearing in a negative way—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 actually do more harm to your ear by poking a cotton bud inside. How so?
Ear wax naturally dry up and fall 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 all the way 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.
Types of ear wax removal
There are various ways to remove ear wax build up—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. |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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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.
When to seek medical attention for ear wax build-up
Seek medical attention immediately when:
- There is blood or pus from the ear canal
- There is intolerable ear pain that lasts over an hour
- There is complete loss of hearing
- Walking becomes unsteady
Dr Ben Medical @ Raffles Place/ Tanjong Pagar
SBF Center Medical Suites
160 Robinson Road
#03-09 SBF Center Medical Suites
Singapore 068914
contact@drbenmedical.sg
+65 888 12344 | +65 888 12344
