How much does ear wax removal cost?
How much does ear wax removal cost?
$100 – $250 average cost without insurance
$0 – $40 average cost with insurance (copay)
Ear wax removal cost
Professional ear wax removal costs $100 to $250 without insurance or $0 to $40 for the copay with insurance. The cost to get ear wax removed depends on your insurance plan and whether you get the procedure at a doctor's office, an urgent care center, or a local pharmacy like CVS.
| Insurance status | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Without insurance | $100 – $250 |
| With insurance (copay) | $0 – $40 |
How do doctors remove ear wax?
Healthcare providers use three different methods for ear wax removal. The most appropriate method depends on the individual situation and the amount of wax buildup. Some situations may require a combination of two different methods, such as irrigation and manual removal.
The three removal methods are:
Manual removal: Removing the ear wax with a small tool called a curette and forceps
Irrigation / ear lavage: Gently flushing the ear with a solution of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% water to soften and dissolve the wax
Microsuction: Removing the ear wax with a long, thin, flexible suction device
Ear wax causes & symptoms
Ear wax protects the ear by preventing bacteria, dust, and germs from entering and causing an infection. Wax also protects the ear canal's delicate skin from irritation caused by water.
Small amounts of ear wax are healthy and necessary, but some people's ears produce more wax than usual, which can harden and clog the ear canal.
Symptoms of excess ear wax include:
Earache
Sensation of fullness in the ear
Itching
Tinnitus (ringing & noises in the ear)
Partial hearing loss
Dizziness / vertigo
FAQs about ear wax removal
Can urgent care remove ear wax?
Yes, healthcare providers at urgent care centers can remove ear wax. Most urgent care centers use irrigation, also called ear lavage, to remove the wax.
Does ear wax removal hurt?
Ear wax removal is typically a painless procedure when performed by a skilled healthcare provider. However, some patients report a slight sensitivity in the ear for a short time after the procedure.
Is ear wax removal safe?
Professional ear wax removal is safe. Gently irrigating your ears with drops of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to soften and flush out the wax is also usually safe.
Do not attempt to remove ear wax yourself with cotton swabs, an ear scraper or curette, an otoscope, or any other method that requires sticking something in your ear. These methods can easily cause a painful ruptured eardrum and may result in permanent damage.
Does Medicare cover ear wax removal?
Medicare typically does not cover routine ear cleaning. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover ear wax removal if your physician deems the procedure medically necessary.
Where to get ear wax removal
You can get ear wax removal or professional ear cleaning at:
Urgent care centers
Some pharmacy clinics like CVS MinuteClinic
Most doctors' offices
Audiologists
Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) specialists
Questions to ask your healthcare provider
Ask the provider these questions before you get professional ear wax removal:
Are there any DIY ear wax removal methods you recommend?
Would one of those methods work well enough for my situation?
Which removal method do you use?
Will the procedure be painful or uncomfortable?
Are there any aftercare tips I need to follow?
Do you accept my health insurance? If yes, how much will my copay be?
Are there any other fees I should expect?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.