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Earwax Removal

Symptoms of an Earwax Blockage: When to Take Your Ears Seriously

Recognizing the symptoms of an earwax blockage is essential to protect your hearing and prevent discomfort. Dr. Curtis Grote, MD, provides safe and effective treatment options to relieve ear pain, fullness, ringing, or hearing loss caused by excessive wax buildup. For more information, please contact us or make an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Bulverde Rd San Antonio TX, Bastrop TX, Alamo Ranch San Antonio TX, La Grange TX, Leon Springs TX, New Braunfels TX, Potranco Road San Antonio TX, Dripping Springs TX, Lemon Creek Boerne TX, Potranco (Hunt Lane) San Antonio TX, and Belle Chasse, LA.

Symptoms of an Earwax Blockage: When to Take Your Ears Seriously Near Me in Bulverde Rd San Antonio TX, Bastrop TX, Alamo Ranch San Antonio TX, La Grange TX, Leon Springs TX, New Braunfels TX, Potranco Road San Antonio TX, Dripping Springs TX, Lemon Creek Boerne TX, Potranco (Hunt Lane) San Antonio TX, and Belle Chasse, LA
Symptoms of an Earwax Blockage: When to Take Your Ears Seriously Near Me in Bulverde Rd San Antonio TX, Bastrop TX, Alamo Ranch San Antonio TX, La Grange TX, Leon Springs TX, New Braunfels TX, Potranco Road San Antonio TX, Dripping Springs TX, Lemon Creek Boerne TX, Potranco (Hunt Lane) San Antonio TX, and Belle Chasse, LA

Table of Contents:

What is an earwax blockage?
How does earwax protect my ears?
Can too much earwax cause hearing problems?
When should I see a doctor for earwax blockage?

What is an earwax blockage?


At Fast Aid Urgent Care, we frequently see patients experiencing discomfort from earwax blockage, also known as cerumen impaction. Earwax is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear to protect and clean the ear canal by trapping dust and microorganisms. Under normal circumstances, earwax gradually moves out of the ear and is naturally removed. However, sometimes excess earwax can build up and become impacted—especially if cotton swabs or other objects are used to clean the ear, which may push wax deeper into the canal.

If you’re experiencing symptoms such as earache, a feeling of fullness in the ear, decreased hearing, ringing (tinnitus), itching, or even dizziness, you could have a wax blockage. While this condition is usually not serious, it can cause significant discomfort and may lead to infection or temporary hearing loss if left untreated.

Our experienced healthcare providers can safely evaluate your symptoms and offer effective treatment options. We may recommend ear drops to soften the wax or perform a gentle, professional removal right in our clinic. Avoid trying to remove earwax at home, as this can sometimes make the problem worse.

How does earwax protect my ears?


Earwax, also known as cerumen, is essential for keeping your ears healthy. It acts as a natural barrier, trapping dust, dirt, and other foreign particles to protect the delicate structures inside your ear canal. Its slightly acidic nature helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, reducing your risk of painful ear infections. Earwax also keeps the skin in your ears moisturized, preventing dryness and itching.

We often see patients concerned about earwax buildup or ear discomfort. While earwax usually exits the ear naturally with jaw movements, sometimes it can accumulate and cause symptoms like hearing loss, earache, or a “full” feeling. If you’re experiencing these issues, avoid using cotton swabs or other objects, as they can push wax deeper and cause injury.

Our medical team can safely evaluate and treat earwax impaction, providing relief and helping maintain your ear health. If you have concerns about your ears or hearing, visit us for prompt, professional care. Your ears—and your health—are in good hands with Fast Aid Urgent Care.

Can too much earwax cause hearing problems?


Yes, too much earwax can cause hearing problems. Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal to protect and clean your ears. Usually, earwax works its way out of the ear on its own. However, sometimes earwax can build up and become impacted, blocking the ear canal. This blockage can reduce the transmission of sound, leading to temporary hearing loss or muffled hearing. Other symptoms of earwax impaction may include earache, a feeling of fullness in the ear, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), itching, or even dizziness.

Certain individuals are more likely to experience earwax buildup, such as those who use hearing aids or earplugs or frequently use cotton swabs, which can actually push wax further into the ear canal.

If you suspect earwax is causing hearing problems, do not try to remove it yourself with cotton swabs, hairpins, or other objects, as this can make the problem worse or cause injury. Instead, visit Fast Aid Urgent Care. Our experienced healthcare providers can safely and comfortably remove excess earwax using appropriate medical techniques such as irrigation or manual removal. In most cases, once the blockage is cleared, your hearing should return to normal.

If your hearing problems persist after earwax removal, our team can further evaluate your symptoms to rule out any other underlying causes and ensure you get the care you need. If you’re experiencing symptoms of earwax blockage, stop by Fast Aid Urgent Care—no appointment necessary. We’re here to help you hear clearly again!

When should I see a doctor for earwax blockage?


If you are experiencing symptoms of earwax blockage—such as significant ear pain, persistent hearing loss, ringing in your ears (tinnitus), dizziness, or a feeling of fullness in the ear that does not improve with at-home remedies—it’s important to seek professional help. Our experienced medical team can safely evaluate and treat earwax blockages, helping you find fast relief from discomfort.

You should also visit Fast Aid Urgent Care if you notice discharge from your ear, develop a fever, or suspect an ear infection. Individuals with a history of frequent ear infections, a perforated eardrum, prior ear surgery, or those who use hearing aids should avoid trying to remove earwax themselves, as this can increase the risk of complications. Instead, let our skilled healthcare providers take care of your ear health.

If home remedies or over-the-counter treatments haven’t worked, or if you are unsure about the cause of your symptoms, come to Fast Aid Urgent Care for prompt, expert evaluation and treatment. We’re here to ensure you receive safe, effective care—no appointment necessary.

For more information, please contact us or make an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Bulverde Rd San Antonio TX, Windcrest TX, Selma TX, Bastrop TX, Paige TX, Smithville TX, Alamo Ranch San Antonio TX, Leon Valley TX, Helotes TX, La Grange TX, Rabbs Prairie TX, Halsted TX, Leon Springs TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Cross Mountain TX, New Braunfels TX, Hunter TX, Zorn TX, Potranco Road San Antonio TX, Rio Medina TX, Rolling Oaks Estates TX, Dripping Springs, TX, Saddletree Ranch TX, Belterra TX, Lemon Creek Boerne TX, Scenic Oaks TX, Potranco (Hunt Lane) San Antonio TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX,  Belle Chasse LA, Timberlane LA, Woodmere LA, and surrounding areas.

Our Locations

Dripping Springs, TX

  • 136 Drifting Wind Run Suite 117, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
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New Braunfels, TX

Bulverde Rd San Antonio TX

  • 17910 Bulverde Rd Suite 115, San Antonio, TX 78259
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Bastrop TX

La Grange, TX

  • 2001 W. State Hwy 71 STE B, La Grange, TX 78945
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Lemon Creek in Boerne, TX

Leon Springs TX

Alamo Ranch San Antonio TX

  • 12007 Alamo Ranch Pkwy STE 124, San Antonio, TX 78253
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Potranco in San Antonio, TX

  • 14314 Potranco Rd #103, San Antonio, TX 78245
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Belle Chasse, LA

Potranco (Hunt Lane) in San Antonio, TX

  • 9230 Potranco Road, Suite 108, San Antonio, TX 78251
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