Introduction
If you’re searching for ear wax removal in Singapore, you’re not alone. Many individuals experience discomfort, hearing issues, or ear infections due to excessive earwax buildup. While earwax (cerumen) plays an essential role in protecting our ears, improper removal—especially through DIY kits or by non-professionals—can do more harm than good.
What Is Ear Wax and Why Does It Build Up?
Earwax is produced by glands in the ear canal to trap dust, microorganisms, and other foreign particles, preventing them from reaching the eardrum. You can read more about ear wax and the different types and textures at our post on “What is Ear Wax?”.
Professional Ear Wax Removal Methods in Singapore
1. Ear Irrigation
Ear irrigation involves flushing the ear canal with warm water or saline to dislodge earwax which will flow into a dish/basin. It is the method of choice used at The Hearing Room Singapore. We use the Earigator® from USA which is developed by an otologist and recognized as the best way to remove stubborn wax by Dr Cliff Olson.
Benefits:
- Comfortable, soothing and painless; like a warm bath for your ear canals!
- Relatively simple and quick procedure
- Moisturizes and lubricates impacted ear wax that allows for easier clearance
- Generally more affordable
Risks:
- Not suitable for those with active ear infections or eardrum perforation
2. Microsuction
Another safe and recommended method of ear wax removal, microsuction uses a small vacuum device to extract earwax under a microscope or endoscopic camera. This is normally done by ENT specialists.
Benefits:
- Safe for patients with perforated eardrums or ear infections
Risks:
- Noise from the vacuum can be loud and unpleasant
- Might cause light bleeding if done improperly due to strong suction
- Generally more expensive
3. Manual Ear Wax Extraction
Performed using specialized tools such as curettes while viewed using an otoscope, manual removal is often used for impacted or hardened earwax by ENT specialists.
Benefits:
- No loud vacuum noise or water entering the ear
- Can be effective for severely impacted ear wax
Risks:
- Highly dependent on skill of practitioner; recommended to ONLY be done by ENT or audiologist specialists.
- Risk of causing bleeding or pain by tools
Why You Should Avoid Ear Candling in Singapore
Despite being marketed as a natural solution, ear candling is not a safe or effective method of removing earwax.
What Is Ear Candling?
Ear candling involves inserting a hollow, wax-coated cloth cone into the ear and lighting it. The supposed vacuum effect is claimed to draw out earwax—but this has been disproven by medical studies. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore and global health bodies like the U.S. FDA caution against using ear candles due to the high risk of injury and lack of medical benefit.
Risks of Ear Candling:
- Burns to the ear canal, face, or scalp
- Candle wax blockage in the ear
- Perforated eardrum
- No clinical evidence of effectiveness
Final Thoughts: Choose Safe, Evidence-Based Ear Care
Avoid risky trends like ear candling and DIY removal tools that promise quick fixes. When it comes to your hearing and ear health, professional care is the safest, most effective choice.
If you’re dealing with blocked ears or are unsure whether your symptoms are caused by earwax, consult The Hearing Room Singapore today!.
