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Earwax Impaction Removal in Gangnam, Seoul

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD · Board-certified otolaryngologist · Former professor, Yonsei & Ajou University · Consultations in English

What is earwax impaction?

Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance made by glands in the outer ear canal. It cleans, lubricates and protects the canal against water, dust and germs. Normally it migrates outward on its own. Earwax impaction occurs when wax accumulates and hardens enough to block the canal or cause symptoms.

Wax type varies by genetics: many East Asian people have dry, flaky wax, while many people of European and African ancestry have wet, sticky wax. Both can become impacted.

Symptoms

• Muffled hearing or a sudden blocked feeling, often after showering or swimming
• Ear fullness or pressure
• Itching or mild discomfort
• Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
• Occasionally dizziness or a cough triggered by touching the ear canal

Causes and risk factors

• Using cotton swabs or ear picks, which push wax deeper
• Wearing earbuds, earplugs or hearing aids for long periods
• Narrow or hairy ear canals
• Older age, when wax becomes drier and harder
• Skin conditions affecting the ear canal

How it's diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic

Dr. Kim looks into the ear canal under magnification to confirm that wax is the cause and to see how hard and deep it is. After removal, he checks the canal skin and eardrum for infection or perforation. If hearing does not return to normal once the canal is clear, a hearing test helps identify other causes such as fluid behind the eardrum or inner ear hearing loss.

Treatment options

Professional removal

Ear cleaning at an ENT clinic uses suction (microsuction) and fine instruments under direct vision. It avoids flushing water into the ear and allows the doctor to see the eardrum throughout, which is particularly important if you have had an eardrum perforation or ear surgery. Most removals are quick and well tolerated.

Softening drops

Very hard wax may first need softening drops for a few days. Dr. Kim will advise whether this is needed before removal.

What to avoid

• Cotton swabs, hairpins and metal ear picks, a common cause of canal injury and otitis externa
• Ear candling, which is not effective and can cause burns
• Home irrigation if you have a known eardrum hole, ear tubes, or diabetes

Prevention

For most people, the outer ear can simply be wiped with a washcloth. Those prone to impaction, including hearing-aid users, may benefit from periodic professional checks.

When to see an ENT

See an ENT if your ear feels blocked or hearing is reduced for more than a few days. Seek prompt care for sudden hearing loss without obvious cause, ear pain with fever, discharge, bleeding or dizziness, as these are not explained by simple wax and need assessment.

Seeing Dr. Kim in English

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk is a board-certified otolaryngologist and former Yonsei and Ajou university professor. His subspecialty is rhinology, and he also handles ear problems such as wax removal daily, explaining each step in English as he works. Walk-ins are welcome; see location and hours near Gangnam-gu Office Station.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to clean my ears with cotton swabs?

It is better not to. Cotton swabs push wax deeper, can cause impaction and may scratch the canal or even injure the eardrum. Wipe only the outer ear. If wax builds up, have it removed by an ENT.

Does earwax removal hurt?

Most patients feel only mild pressure or noise from the suction. Very hard or deep wax can be uncomfortable, and softening drops beforehand can make removal easier. Tell the doctor if anything feels painful so the technique can be adjusted.

Why does my ear feel blocked after a shower?

Water can make existing wax swell and suddenly close the canal, causing muffled hearing. If the blocked feeling does not clear within a day or two, an ENT can check and remove the wax safely.

This page is general medical information written and reviewed by an ENT specialist. It is not a diagnosis. Symptoms differ between people — please see a doctor for an examination. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.