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Common Conditions We Treat at Vitality Urgent Care

Condition icon: Ear
Earwax Blockage

Earwax blockage happens when wax builds up and plugs the ear canal. It causes a full feeling, muffled hearing, and sometimes ringing or dizziness. Safe ear wax removal at home or in the clinic clears it quickly.

What Is It

Earwax protects and cleans the ear and usually moves out on its own. It can build up and harden, especially in older adults, people who wear hearing aids or earbuds, and people who use cotton swabs. Swabs push wax deeper instead of removing it.

Symptoms

  • A plugged or full feeling in the ear
  • Muffled hearing
  • Ringing in the ear
  • Itching
  • Mild earache
  • Dizziness or a cough in some people

Not sure it’s earwax? Ear pain with fever after a cold is more likely an ear infection. Pain when you pull the ear after swimming may be swimmer’s ear.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider looks in the ear to confirm wax is the cause. Wax can be removed with gentle warm water flushing or small tools. Ears with a hole in the eardrum or ear tubes should not be flushed.

At home:

  • Use over the counter softening drops or a few drops of mineral oil for 3 to 5 days
  • Let warm shower water run into the ear, then tilt to drain
  • Do not use cotton swabs, bobby pins, or ear candles
  • Clean only the outer ear with a washcloth

Hearing usually returns as soon as the wax is removed.

When to Get Care for Earwax Blockage

Watch at Home

  • Mild fullness that clears with softening drops
  • No pain or drainage
  • Hearing returning to normal

Come to Urgent Care Today

  • A plugged ear not clearing after 5 days of drops
  • Muffled hearing that affects daily life
  • Wax blocking a hearing aid
  • Ear pain, drainage, or bleeding
  • A past eardrum hole or ear tubes, before flushing at home

Go to the Emergency Department

  • Sudden hearing loss in one ear without a clear cause
  • Severe dizziness with vomiting or trouble walking
  • Weakness or drooping on one side of the face

FAQ

How do I know if I have earwax blockage?

Earwax blockage usually causes a plugged feeling, muffled hearing, and sometimes ringing or itching. A provider can confirm it by looking in the ear.

How do you remove impacted earwax at home?

Soften impacted earwax with over the counter drops or mineral oil for 3 to 5 days, then rinse gently with warm water. Do not use cotton swabs.

Are cotton swabs bad for your ears?

Yes, cotton swabs push earwax deeper and can scratch the ear canal or damage the eardrum. Clean only the outer ear.

Do ear candles work?

No, ear candles do not remove earwax and can burn the face, ear canal, or eardrum. Use softening drops instead.

Can urgent care remove ear wax?

Yes, urgent care can remove ear wax. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can check the ear and remove wax when it is the cause.

Can earwax cause dizziness?

Yes, earwax blockage can cause mild dizziness or a feeling of imbalance. Sudden severe dizziness with vomiting needs to be checked right away.

Last reviewed October 2026

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