Is it hearing loss or just ear wax buildup? While the ear is designed to naturally clean itself, about 10% of young children, 20% of adults and more than 30% of elderly people will experience ear wax buildup that completely blocks the ear canal. If you fall into this category, you're not alone — about 12 million people a year seek professional ear wax removal.1
Below we dive into the cost of ear wax removal, if insurance covers professional ear cleaning services and how financing can help.
What Is Ear Wax?
Ear wax is actually not really wax at all, but a substance called cerumen that binds with dirt, dust and debris. It is normally produced by glands in your ear canal to trap and prevent dust, bacteria and other germs from damaging your ear and to protect the skin in your ear canal from getting irritated if you get water in your ear. However, problems can occur when too much ear wax is secreted, causing it to build up and block the ear canal.2
How Much Does Ear Wax Removal Cost?
An appointment to have professional ear cleaning, irrigation and ear wax removal can cost between $100 and $250 at an audiologist or primary care physician.3
With insurance, copays for office visits range between $5 and $75, depending on the insurance company. The average insured individual in the U.S. has a copay of $19 for an office visit.4 Without insurance, ear wax removal can cost anywhere from $404 at a clinic for people without insurance to more than $300 at a physician or specialist's office.3
Some physicians will use pressurized water to remove ear wax. Others use a loop or light suction to remove buildup.
At-home kits are similar, but some people may find them difficult to use correctly, especially the looping method. Over-the-counter ear wax removal options typically cost around $5 to $11, depending on the brand and complexity of the ear cleaning kit (i.e., ear drops vs. complete kit with bulb ear syringe) and should not be used on children or anyone with ear tubes.3
Does Insurance Cover Ear Wax Removal?
For the most part, insurance companies and Medicare do not cover ear wax removal or professional ear cleanings unless it is deemed medically necessary. According to Medicare, there may be some exceptions if the patient is enrolled in a Medical Advantage plan that provides additional coverage for hearing care.5
What Are the Symptoms of Ear Wax Buildup?
Ear wax buildup is one of the most common causes of hearing loss, but other symptoms include:
- Fullness in the ear/a sensation that the ear is plugged
- Tinnitus (ringing)
- Partial hearing loss or muffled hearing2
How to Clean Out Ear Wax
There are several ways to eliminate ear wax buildup, including home remedies. One method that may help is to try to soften the wax with baby oil, commercial drops or mineral oil. Another method that may help is to try to flush out the wax with an over-the-counter ear wax removal kit. These kits typically combine one of the methods above to soften the wax, then you would use a syringe or bulb to flush it out.2
Professionals discourage sticking anything in your ear to get the ear wax out, as it may push it farther into your ear canal and make the problem worse. If you choose to use cotton swabs, only use them around the outside of the ear canal.2
If you are uncomfortable with or don't have luck with at-home methods, a doctor or audiologist can help to remove or clean ear wax buildup. If you have a fever, or discharge coming out of your ear, it's recommended to see a doctor sooner rather than later.2
How to Prevent Ear Wax Buildup
For most people, it's enough to just leave their ears alone, but people with hearing aids should have regular ear checks every three to six months. People with dementia or developmental delays may also need to have ear wax removed regularly.1
CareCredit Financing for Ear Wax Removal and Professional Ear Cleaning
If approved, you can use your CareCredit credit card at locations within the CareCredit network to finance ear wax removal and other hearing health needs.* If approved, you can pay for the care you need immediately. You can also use your CareCredit card again and again to pay for other health, wellness and hearing care needs.* Use the Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find professional ear cleaning or ear wax removal providers near you that accept the CareCredit credit card.
Author Bio
Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 10 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and she has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women's Health Online, Headspace, and more.