Athens, TN Professional Ear Cleaning & Wax Removal Near Me

Blocked ears? Our Athens clinic offers safe ear cleaning and lavage to help you hear clearly again. No appointment needed – visit our clinic today!

Earwax buildup and blockages can cause discomfort, muffled hearing, or even itching and irritation. At AFC Athens, our experienced medical team uses safe, effective ear cleaning and lavage techniques to gently remove buildup and restore your ear health.

Our walk-in clinic welcomes patients looking for quick relief and personalized care. Whether this is your first ear cleaning or you need regular maintenance, we’re here to make the process easy and comfortable.

Stop by AFC for quick, gentle ear cleaning from trusted medical providers.

What Is Earwax and Why Is It Important?

Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance your body produces inside the ear canal. It might seem like just “wax,” but it actually plays some important roles in keeping your ears healthy.

First, earwax helps clean and lubricate the ear canal, preventing it from becoming dry or itchy. It also acts as a protective barrier, trapping dust, dirt, and water so they don’t reach the delicate skin inside your ear. Plus, earwax has natural antibacterial properties that help fight off infections.

While having some earwax is healthy and normal, too much buildup can lead to problems like muffled hearing, ear fullness, or discomfort. If that happens, a professional ear cleaning might be needed to safely remove the excess and keep your ears feeling their best.

What Is the Difference Between Ear Cleaning & Lavage?

Ear cleaning is a broad term that covers any method used to remove earwax or debris from the ear canal. It can include simple things like wiping the outer ear or more advanced procedures.

Ear lavage, on the other hand, is a specific type of ear cleaning done by medical professionals. Sometimes called ear irrigation or wax removal, lavage uses a gentle flow of water or a water-saline solution to safely flush out built-up earwax and debris. A trained provider uses a syringe or specialized tool to perform this process carefully, making sure not to harm the sensitive skin inside the ear.

Because ear lavage requires skill and care, it’s best done in a clinic to avoid injury or complications.

Why Do I Need to Get Ear Cleaning?

Earwax buildup can cause trouble for the sensitive skin inside your ear canal and eardrum. Removing excess wax safely can help relieve pain, itching, ringing (tinnitus), and even minor hearing loss.

Besides wax, ear cleaning through irrigation can also remove foreign materials like sand, food particles, or insects that accidentally get stuck in the ear.

Before any ear cleaning, our doctors will ask about your symptoms and examine your ear with an otoscope (a tool that lets us look inside your ear canal). If we find a wax buildup, we’ll gently clean your ears and share tips on how to prevent future buildup at home. Sometimes, regular cleanings at the clinic might be necessary to keep your ears healthy.

Regular ear cleaning is important because wax and debris can block sound waves from reaching your eardrum, which affects your hearing. Left unchecked, buildup can lead to irritation, discomfort, or infections caused by bacteria or fungi.

By keeping your ears clean with professional care, you help maintain clear hearing and other possible complications. It’s a simple step toward keeping your ears comfortable and healthy.

How to Know if My Ears Are Blocked?

Here are some common signs that your ears might need to be checked and cleaned:

• Trouble hearing clearly
• Ear pain or discomfort
• Dizziness or feeling off-balance
• A clogged or full sensation in the ear
• Ringing or buzzing sounds (tinnitus)
• Itching inside or around the ear
• Drainage or fluid coming from the ear

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to get your ears examined. For more information on ear infections and treatment, visit our Ear Infection Testing & Treatment page.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms and want your ears cleaned or checked, walk-in to our AFC Athens clinic.

Visit AFC Athens Today!

Your ears are naturally self-cleaning, but some people may need extra help to safely remove buildup and avoid problems.

At AFC, we use a careful, step-by-step approach to safely remove even the toughest earwax and give you fast relief.

First, a medical provider will place a few drops of oil into your ear to soften the wax. After letting it sit for a few minutes, we use warm water irrigation with gentle pressure to flush out the softened wax. This process is repeated as needed until the earwax is fully cleared.

If necessary, we may also use soft-tipped tools to gently remove any remaining wax, making sure your ears feel comfortable and clean.

Get Professional Ear-Cleaning in Athens, TN!