Earwax removal
When your ear is feeling blocked, MinuteClinic® can help. A provider will address your concerns, examine your ears and determine the safest, most effective treatment for you.
- Same-day earwax evaluation: Walk-in appointments available
- Personalized care: We'll examine your ears and can clear minor blockages
- Quick relief: Most earwax can be cleaned out in one sitting.
Find care
We offer services at MinuteClinic
Insurance and pricing
Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.
What causes earwax buildup?
Reasons for earwax buildup
Earwax builds up for multiple reasons, such as aging, certain medical conditions or even using earbuds regularly or hearing aids. Left untreated, earwax blockages can cause:
- Dizziness
- Earaches
- Ear infections
- Fullness or pressure in ears
- Hearing problems
If you’re experiencing any of these or if you're looking to learn more about your ear health, MinuteClinic can help and often provide instant relief.
Earwax blockage causes and treatment
Earwax (cerumen) is normally helpful and slowly moves out of the ear canal on its own. Blockage happens when glands make more wax than the ear can clear, and the extra wax hardens and blocks the canal.
Earwax and earwax production is normal, and while asymptomatic it should be left alone.
A MinuteClinic provider will address your concerns, discuss your symptoms and examine your ears. If clinically appropriate they can assist in removing the earwax and advise you on follow-up care or prevention.
Do not attempt to remove excess earwax or blockage with items such as a cotton swab, hairpin or paper clip. These objects can seriously injure the delicate lining of your ear canal or eardrum. Trying to dig out earwax may push the wax deeper into the ear, making it harder and more complicated to remove.
Earwax and earwax production is normal, and while asymptomatic it should be left alone.