Ear Wax Removal Urgent Care in Fairfax, VA

Excessive ear wax buildup can occur for a variety of reasons, such as overproduction of ear wax, narrow or deformed ear canals, aging and lifestyle habits, skin conditions, and inappropriate ear cleaning. These factors can lead to complications like hearing loss, ear discomfort, tinnitus, ear infections, and in rare cases, vertigo.

Our experienced team can provide you with personalized advice on how to manage and prevent ear wax buildup. We can guide you on maintaining proper ear hygiene, which is crucial in preventing excessive ear wax. This includes advice on how to safely clean your ears and what habits to avoid.

In cases where ear wax buildup has become problematic, our team can offer safe and effective treatment options.

Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, but some of the most common signs include a feeling of fullness, blockage or pressure in the affected ear, hearing loss, and tinnitus – a persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears.

In some instances, this condition can stimulate the cough reflex, leading to a persistent cough when chewing. For others, dizziness or vertigo may be experienced as the wax buildup interferes with the function of the inner ear, which plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. Other possible symptoms include an odor coming from the ear, discharge or ear drainage, or persistent itchiness in the ear canal.

Notably, an odor or discharge from the ear could potentially indicate an infection, especially if the discharge is thick, yellow or green, or bloody, and is accompanied by pain or fever.

During your initial examination, doctors will use an otoscope to examine your ear. This device enables us to get a detailed view of the wax buildup and your eardrum, helping to determine the best treatment plan for you.

If your wax blockage is considerable, doctors may opt for irrigation. This procedure involves using a syringe to apply a stream of body-temperature water or saline solution to your ear canal, helping to soften and dislodge the wax.

Alternatively, micro suction might be used, a method that employs a device to suck out the wax, especially when it is too hard or impacted to be removed using irrigation. Although this method is quick and safe, it might cause some temporary dizziness.

In some cases, doctors might manually remove the wax using medical tools like a curette, a long, thin instrument with a small scoop at the end. This method is typically used for deep impactions or when irrigation or suction is not feasible.

After the successful removal of the wax, instructions for follow-up care will be provided. This could involve using over-the-counter ear drops to prevent future impactions, protecting your ear from water exposure, or further evaluation or treatment if there is an underlying medical condition causing excessive ear wax production.

The ideal frequency for these cleanings can vary depending on individual circumstances, and there’s no universal recommendation.

Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance that provides antibacterial properties and protection to your ear. However, certain situations, such as impacted earwax, foreign body removal, chronic ear infections, excessive earwax production, or inability to self-clean, may warrant a visit for professional ear cleaning.

Our trained medical professionals can help assess your ear health and determine the frequency of professional cleaning required. This could range from every six months to a year, or more frequently in cases of excessive wax production. Conversely, those with less wax or who use hearing aids may only need professional cleaning annually.

At Prima Urgent Care, we emphasize the importance of safe ear-cleaning practices. We strongly advise against inserting anything into your ear canal, even cotton swabs, as this can push the wax further into the ear and risk damaging the eardrum. Instead, we recommend cleaning the outer part of the ear with a washcloth or using over-the-counter wax softening drops if needed.

The cost for this procedure can vary, typically ranging from $50 to $300. This wide range in prices is influenced by several factors:

• Location: Costs for the same procedure can differ across various geographic regions.

• The severity of Impaction: The complexity of the case, including the extent of the ear wax impaction, can impact the time and effort required for the removal, thus influencing the overall cost.

• Method of Removal: Different procedures, such as micro-suction or irrigation, have varying cost implications.

• Additional Services: Depending on the healthcare provider’s assessment, there might be additional charges like examination fees or laboratory fees. These extra costs can add up quickly, so it’s always advisable to ask for a comprehensive cost breakdown before proceeding with the treatment.

It’s also important to consider that the cost can rise if the patient’s insurance does not cover this type of procedure. While some insurance policies may cover some or all of the costs considering ear wax removal as a routine procedure, others may not, leaving the patient responsible for the full amount.

Although urgent care centers like Prima Urgent Care offer immediate relief and convenience, they might be more expensive than scheduling an appointment with a primary care physician or an ear, nose, and throat specialist. However, the immediate access to care that we provide can often outweigh the cost difference for many individuals. Contact us now to get trusted care. We serve patients from Fairfax VA, South Riding VA, Dulles VA, Chantilly VA, Stone Ridge VA, Oakton VA, Legato VA, Burke VA, Oak Hill VA, Lees Corner VA & BEYOND! Our Fairfax location is close to Fair Oaks Hospital, Fair Oaks Mall, and Greenbriar Shopping Center.