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The whole person

Earwax removal in Trinity, FL

In office ear checks and gentle earwax removal at our Trinity office, when your provider finds it appropriate.

Medically reviewed by Dr. John Hanna, MDBoard certified internal medicine · September 29, 2026
Procedures
Clinician looking into an older adult's ear with an otoscope in a bright exam room
In short

Ear lavage is an in office way to remove built up earwax using warm water irrigation. It is for adults with muffled hearing, ear fullness, or known wax buildup, including people who wear hearing aids. Your provider checks the ear canal first to decide whether irrigation is right for you, checks again after cleaning, and shares tips to help prevent future buildup. It is available at our Trinity office.

Ready to schedule? New patients age 18 and older are welcome.

Earwax removal, also called ear lavage or ear irrigation, is an in office procedure that rinses built up wax out of the ear canal with warm water. It is for adults 18 and older who have muffled hearing, a plugged feeling, or known wax buildup. Your provider looks in your ears first and only uses irrigation when it is appropriate for you. Earwax removal is available at our Trinity office, and you can request an appointment online or call the Trinity office at (727) 997-1635.

What earwax removal includes

Earwax (ear wax) is normal. It protects and cleans the ear canal and usually moves out on its own. For some people, wax builds up and becomes packed, or impacted, in the canal. This is more common in older adults, people who wear hearing aids or earbuds, and people who use cotton swabs, which can push wax deeper.

  • An exam of the ear canal and eardrum before cleaning
  • Softening drops when wax is hard or packed
  • Gentle warm water irrigation to flush out the wax, when appropriate
  • A second look in the ear after cleaning
  • Tips to help prevent future buildup

Who should not have ear irrigation

Your provider decides whether irrigation is safe for your ears. Ear lavage is not the right choice for everyone, such as people with a hole in the eardrum, ear tubes, a recent ear surgery, or an active ear infection. In those cases, your provider talks with you about other options.

Have questions about your care? New patients age 18 and older are welcome.

Symptoms that may lead to a visit

Earwax removal may help adults who notice:

  • Muffled or reduced hearing
  • A plugged or full feeling in the ear
  • Ringing in the ear
  • Itching or mild discomfort in the ear
  • Hearing aids that whistle or do not seem to work as well

These symptoms can have other causes too, which is why your provider checks your ears before any cleaning.

When to see a provider instead of treating it at home

Important: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a treatment plan for your situation. If you have ear pain, drainage, bleeding, sudden or worsening hearing loss, dizziness, or any symptom that concerns you, please seek professional evaluation rather than trying to treat it yourself.

Cotton swabs and other objects can push wax deeper, so it is best not to put anything into the ear canal. Ask your provider before using ear drops or home kits, and schedule a visit rather than treating it yourself if you:

  • Have ear pain, drainage, or signs of an infection
  • Have ever had a hole in your eardrum, ear tubes, or ear surgery
  • Wear hearing aids and notice changes in how they work
  • Still feel plugged or muffled after a few days

What to expect at your visit

Before cleaning. Your provider asks about your symptoms, any history of ear surgery, ear infections, or eardrum problems, and whether you wear hearing aids. Then your provider looks into each ear with a lighted scope. If the wax is very hard, softening drops may be used first, or you may be asked to use drops at home for a few days and come back.

During cleaning. You sit upright with a small basin held under your ear. Warm water is gently flushed into the ear canal to loosen and rinse out the wax. Most people feel a mild sense of pressure or fullness. The water is kept close to body temperature to help you stay comfortable. Let your provider know right away if you feel pain or dizziness.

After cleaning. Your provider checks the ear again to see whether the wax is gone and how the canal looks. Hearing may improve once packed wax is removed. If you wear hearing aids, your provider may suggest a routine for checking your ears and cleaning your devices.

Ear checks can also be part of your primary care visits or your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, where hearing is often reviewed.

Earwax removal in Trinity, FL

Earwax removal is available at our Trinity primary care office at 3633 Little Rd, Suite 103. The Trinity care team includes Amanda Durrett, FNP-BC, and Dr. John Hanna, MD, who alternates weeks between our two offices. The scheduling team will match your visit with an available provider.

Schedule earwax removal in Trinity. New patients age 18 and older are welcome.

For patients of our Hudson office

If you usually see our team at the Hudson office, you are welcome to schedule earwax removal at the Trinity office. For other ear concerns, call the Hudson office at (727) 605-3000 and the team will help you find the right visit.

Tips to help prevent buildup

These general tips are for informational purposes only. Ask your provider what is right for your ears.

  • Avoid cotton swabs and other objects in the ear canal
  • Clean only the outer ear with a washcloth
  • Ask your provider before using ear drops or home kits
  • Schedule regular ear checks if you wear hearing aids

Insurance and coverage

Coverage for earwax removal depends on your plan and your situation. Please call the Trinity office at (727) 997-1635 to verify your coverage before your visit.

Seek urgent care for sudden hearing loss, severe ear pain, fluid or blood draining from the ear, or dizziness with ear symptoms. Call 911 for sudden hearing loss with facial drooping, weakness, or trouble speaking.

Frequently asked questions

Is ear lavage safe for everyone?

No. Ear irrigation is not the right choice for people with a hole in the eardrum, ear tubes, a recent ear surgery, or an active ear infection. Your provider checks your ears first to decide whether it is appropriate for you.

Does earwax removal hurt?

Most people feel only mild pressure or fullness. Tell your provider right away if you feel pain or dizziness during cleaning.

Should I try to remove earwax at home?

It is best not to put cotton swabs or other objects in your ear canal, since they can push wax deeper. Ask your provider before using ear drops or home kits, especially if you have had ear surgery, ear tubes, or a hole in your eardrum. If you have pain, drainage, dizziness, or a sudden change in hearing, seek professional evaluation rather than treating it yourself.

Where can I get earwax removed near Trinity?

Earwax removal is available at our Trinity office at 3633 Little Rd, Suite 103. Call (727) 997-1635 or request an appointment online.

How often should I have my ears cleaned?

Many people never need it, while others build up wax more often. Your provider can suggest a schedule if you tend to have buildup or wear hearing aids.

Can earwax cause hearing loss?

Packed earwax can muffle hearing, though hearing changes can have other causes. Your provider checks your ears to look for the cause and can recommend further hearing evaluation if needed.

Book your visit at our Trinity office.

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