Ear Cleaning & Earwax Removal ENT

Yes: professional ear cleaning is routine at an ENT

Earwax (cerumen) is a natural substance that protects and cleans the ear canal. Normally it moves outward on its own. When it builds up and blocks the canal, called earwax impaction, it can cause muffled hearing, a plugged feeling, itching, ringing or even mild dizziness.

Why foreigners ask about this in Korea

Many people in Korea use ear-picks at home, and ear-cleaning services are sometimes advertised in salons. Newcomers often wonder whether to try them. The safest route for a blocked or painful ear is an ENT examination, because what feels like wax may actually be an infection, fluid behind the eardrum, or even a perforation, and cleaning blindly can push wax deeper or scratch the canal.

Signs your ear needs a professional look

Muffled hearing in one ear after showering or swimming
Ear fullness that does not clear with swallowing
Itching or pain in the canal, which may be otitis externa
Discharge or bad smell from the ear
New tinnitus or dizziness
Hearing aids or earbuds that suddenly feel blocked

What we do at Gangnam Yonsei ENT

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, a board-certified otolaryngologist and former assistant professor at Ajou University, first examines the ear canal and eardrum under magnification. Then:

Wax removal: using fine instruments or gentle suction under direct vision. This is professional ear cleaning.
Softening if needed: very hard wax may need drops for a few days before a second, easier session.
Checking the eardrum: once the canal is clear, the eardrum can be inspected for infection or fluid.
Hearing check if needed: if hearing still seems reduced after cleaning, a hearing test clarifies whether there is another cause.

The procedure is explained in English as it happens, so you know what to expect. It is usually painless, though an inflamed canal can be tender.

How to care for your ears at home

Avoid cotton swabs and ear-picks inside the canal.
Dry the outer ear with a towel after swimming or showering.
Do not use ear candles; they are not effective and can cause burns.
If you are prone to buildup, ask about periodic checks.
Remove earbuds regularly and keep them clean.

Swimmers, divers and earbud users

Water trapped behind a wax plug creates a warm, moist pocket where bacteria and fungi grow, so swimmers and divers are more likely to develop blockage and outer ear infections. People who wear earbuds or in-ear monitors for long hours can push wax inward too. If you swim regularly, ask whether drying drops or earplugs are suitable, and have the ear checked before a diving trip if it has felt blocked.

When it is more than wax

Sudden hearing loss without obvious blockage is different and needs prompt evaluation; see sudden hearing loss. Severe ear pain with fever, swelling behind the ear, or facial weakness also requires urgent care.

Visit us

Walk-ins welcome at Gangnam-gu Office Station Exit 3-1. Our international patient guide explains registration and payment.

Is ear cleaning at an ENT painful?

Usually not. Wax removal under direct vision is generally comfortable. If the canal is inflamed by infection, it may feel tender, and very hard wax sometimes needs softening drops first so it can be removed gently at a second visit.

How often should I have my ears cleaned?

Most people never need routine cleaning because ears clean themselves. People who wear hearing aids or have narrow canals or heavy wax production may benefit from periodic checks. Dr. Kim can advise based on what he sees.

Can I use Korean ear-picks safely?

It is safer not to put ear-picks or swabs inside the ear canal. They can push wax deeper, scratch the skin and lead to infection. Cleaning the outer ear with a cloth is enough for most people.

Gangnam Yonsei ENT Clinic

Can I Get My Ears Professionally Cleaned at an ENT in Gangnam, Seoul?