Cerumen Removal
Audiology Care in Red Bank, NJ

Cerumen removal is the safe, professional removal of excess earwax (cerumen) from the ear canal by a professional such as a licensed audiologist. Earwax/cerumen is naturally produced to protect the ear, but when it builds up or becomes impacted, it can interfere with hearing, balance, tinnitus symptoms, and even hearing aid performance. At NeuroHear, cerumen removal is performed using medical-grade tools and visualization, ensuring your ears are cleaned without damaging the delicate structures of the ear.

You may have excess earwax if you experience; muffled or reduced hearing,na feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), ear itching and/or discomfort, hearing aids that suddenly sound weaker or stop working properly, or dizziness and imbalance (less common but possible). Many people don’t realize earwax is the cause until a professional exam, especially when hearing changes happen gradually.

Earwax itself is not harmful, it’s protective. It helps trap dust, debris, and bacteria while keeping the ear canal moisturized. Problems arise when earwax; becomes impacted, is pushed too deeply into the ear canal or accumulates faster than it can naturally clear. When this happens, earwax can block sound from reaching the brain clearly, affecting hearing clarity, listening effort, and focus.

Cotton swabs often push earwax deeper into the ear canal, increasing the risk of impaction. They can also; scratch the ear canal, cause inflammation or infection, perforate the eardrum, and make hearing and tinnitus symptoms worse. A good rule of thumb is to never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear. Home remedies frequently cause more harm than good.

Professionals, such as licensed audiologists use safe, evidence-based methods, which may include; microsuction (gentle vacuum under magnification), manual removal with specialized instruments, or irrigation (only when medically appropriate)rnAt NeuroHear, earwax removal is done under direct visualization, ensuring complete and comfortable removal while protecting your hearing and ear health.

Cerumen removal is typically not painful. Most patients describe it as pressure or a tickling sensation. If earwax is deeply impacted or the ear canal is sensitive, mild discomfort may occur but procedures are always adjusted for comfort and safety. Our goal is a calm, controlled, and gentle experience.

Yes, many patients notice immediate improvement in hearing clarity once earwax is removed. Because earwax physically blocks sound from reaching the eardrum, removal often restores; clearer hearing, better speech understanding, and reduced listening effort. If other hearing issues are present, we’ll guide you on next steps.

Yes. Earwax buildup can trigger or worsen tinnitus by altering how sound enters the ear and how the brain processes auditory input. Once earwax is removed, tinnitus may; improve, become less noticeable, or return to baseline. Persistent tinnitus should always be evaluated with a comprehensive hearing assessment.

Earwax is one of the most common causes of hearing aid problems. It can block microphones or receivers, cause distorted or weak sound, lead to frequent repairs and/or shorten device lifespan. Regular earwax management is essential for optimal hearing aid performance and long-term hearing health.