If you have the following conditions, it is still safe to get your earwax removed:
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Small Pit or Opening in Front of the Ear

• Also known as Preauricular Sinus

• Definition: A small pit or opening in front of the ear, caused by incomplete fusion of tissues during development

• Safe to remove earwax 

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Extra Piece of Ear Tissue

• Also known as Accessory or Extra Pinna

• Definition: An extra piece of ear tissue, sometimes resembling a small ear, located near the normal ear

• Safe to remove earwax 

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Underdeveloped or Missing Outer Ear

• Also known as Microtia

• Definition: A congenital deformity where the outer ear is underdeveloped or smaller than normal.

• Safe for grades 1 or 2 (milder) 

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Hairy Ear Canal Opening

• Also known as Hairy Tragus

• Definition: Excessive hair growth on the tragus (the small cartilage flap near the ear canal opening).

• May block earwax movement and make ear examination harder

• Consider trimming the hair

• Safe to remove earwax 

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​Thick and Scarred Ear Tissue

• Also known as Cauliflower Ear

• Definition: Deformity caused by repeated trauma or untreated hematomas, resulting in thick, scarred ear tissue

• No extra sensitivity

• Safe to remove earwax 

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Skin Cancer on the Ear

• Also known as Epithelial Carcinoma

• Definition: A type of skin cancer commonly found on the ear, often appearing as sores or blisters.

• Looks sore and inflamed

• Safe to remove earwax 

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Narrow Ear Canal

• Also known as Stenosis

• Definition: A condition where the ear canal is abnormally narrow, which may restrict airflow and earwax movement

• Check if the client knows about their condition. If not, refer to an ENT specialist.

• Safe to remove earwax 

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Scratches or Injuries in the Ear Canal

• Also known as Abrasion of the Ear Canal

• Definition: Scratches or injuries to the thin, delicate skin lining the ear canal, often caused by cotton buds

• Safe to remove earwax unless it’s painful

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Bony Growth in the Ear Canal

• Also known as Exostosis

• Definition: Bony projections in the ear canal, often linked to repeated exposure to cold water (also known as "surfer’s ear")

• Harmless and painless

• Safe to remove earwax

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 Middle Ear Infection

• Also known as Acute Otitis Media

• Definition: A sudden infection in the middle ear, leading to pain and inflammation.

• The eardrum may look red and inflamed

• Often not visible until earwax is removed

• Safe to remove earwax

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"Glue Ear"/Middle Ear Fluid Buildup

• Also known as Otitis Media with Effusion

• Definition: Fluid buildup in the middle ear, usually due to recurrent eustachian tube problems or infections

• The eardrum may look retracted with no light reflex

• Safe to remove earwax 

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Non-cancerous Growth in the Middle Ear

• Also known as Cholesteatoma

• Definition: An abnormal, non-cancerous growth of skin cells in the middle ear that can damage surrounding structures if untreated

• A serious condition that needs regular monitoring

• Safe to remove earwax

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Special Cases: Use Microsuction Only
Small plastic tube inserted into the eardrum

• Also known as Grommets

• Definition: Small plastic tubes inserted into the eardrum to allow ventilation and prevent fluid buildup in the middle ear

• Only use microsuction

• Do NOT irrigate

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Air Pocket Behind the Ear

• Also known as Mastoid Cavity

• Definition: A hollow area in the skull behind the ear, often altered surgically after mastoidectomy (surgery to remove infection or disease).

• Very sensitive and prone to infections.

• Keep it dry and use microsuction only

• Do NOT irrigate

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Hole in the Eardrum

• Also known as Perforation

• Definition: A tear or hole in the eardrum, which can vary in size and impact hearing.

• Only use microsuction

• Do NOT irrigate

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Book your ear examination / earwax removal appointment now!