How Much Does it Cost to Have Ear Wax Removed Without Health Insurance?

Ear wax removal procedures are usually not covered by private health insurance or Medicare/Medicaid. As a result, these procedure costs will typically be out of pocket for most patients. The average price of an ear wax removal procedure ranges from $100 to $250. The following article lists typical costs for professional ear wax removal and home remedies.

The Cost of Ear Wax Removal at Different Clinics & Locations 

The cost of a professional ear wax remover from an audiologist can vary based on different locations. The following chart lists the costs of this procedure in various cities in the U.S. for your reference.

Out of Pocket Cost of Professional Ear Wax In Different Cities

The out-of-pocket costs of ear wax removal generally ranges from $161-$247 varying based on location and clinic. The following are examples of different procedure costs at different clinics in the U.S. 

Source: MD Save

Home Treatment of Excessive Ear Wax 

Although excessive ear wax often warrants professional assistance, there are different ways to treat excessive wax at home. There are FDA-approved medications such as carbamide peroxide products or non-FDA-approved remedies.

OTC Medications

Carbamide peroxide is an FDA-approved self-treatment for excessive ear wax. It works by softening and loosening ear wax, making it easier to remove.

Non-FDA approved Options

There are also a few non-FDA-approved options that have proven efficacy in treating excessive ear wax. The following include the general regimen of use and the cost.

How to Treat Excessive Earwax 

In general, the main treatments for ear wax removal can range from removal by a professional in a medical setting to home remedies to soften the ear wax. Treatment selection should be based on the severity of your symptoms and the amount of ear wax you have. You and a healthcare professional such as your primary care physician or your local pharmacist should make this decision. 

The main treatments include:

• OTC eardrops: this is an at-home regimen that is typically used a few times a day to soften the ear wax so it can be flushed out
• Ear irrigation: this a procedure performed by a healthcare provider where a water pump is used for flushing your ears and washing out ear wax
• Microsuction: this a procedure performed by a healthcare provider where a small suction device is inserted into your ear to suck out the ear wax
• Aural toilet: this is a procedure performed by a healthcare provider where an instrument is used to scoop excessive ear wax from your ear canal

Ear Wax Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The following are answers to frequently asked questions about excessive ear wax and ear wax removal procedures.

What are the symptoms of excessive ear wax?

Ear wax buildup can be incredibly burdensome, especially if it becomes severe. The following symptoms can be a result of ear wax buildup:

• Hearing loss
• Ear pain/earache
• Tinnitus
• Vertigo/dizziness
• Ear Infections
• Itchiness in or around the ear

How can excessive ear wax be prevented?

As a general rule of thumb, avoiding using Q-tips or similar tools in your ear canal can help prevent ear wax buildup. Other culprits include earplugs or hearing aids. These devices tend to push the wax deeper into your ear canal, which can cause blockage. Maintaining good ear hygiene can also prevent excessive ear wax from forming. Using a warm washcloth when you shower on your outer ear can be essential in avoiding blockage. 

What are the complications of ear wax removal? 

Although earwax buildup doesn’t typically have serious complications, different removal techniques can lead to other conditions. In some cases, patients can experience symptoms such as: 

• Ear pain/earache
• Dizziness
• Water retention in the ear canal
• Ringing in the ears
• Bleeding in the ears
• Swimmer’s ear

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after either an ear wax removal procedure or self-treatment, make sure to contact your physician.

What causes earwax buildup?

Besides cosmetic factors such as Q-tip use and hygiene factors, there are other causes of excessive ear wax. Some health conditions, in particular, can lead to a physical blockage, contributing to impacted earwax. Other conditions might lead to your body simply producing too much earwax. These conditions include:

• Infection (swimmer’s ear)
• Skin disease
• Autoimmune diseases
• Narrowed ear canal
• Injury to the ear canal
• Bony blockage

If you are at an increased risk of impacted earwax due to health conditions, make sure to speak with your primary care physician about preventative measures.

Bottom Line

Ultimately, excessive ear wax can be incredibly bothersome to manage. Based on the level of blockage or symptoms, you can opt for a medical procedure performed by a licensed healthcare procedure or self-treat your condition at home. Professional ear wax removal costs anywhere from $100 to $250 without health insurance. At home, treatment can cost around $8-10, depending on your treatment regimen. 

For an average of $45/month, Mira can provide you with affordable urgent care visits, laboratory testing, virtual primary care consultations, and more. Mira also provides prescription discounts and can be an excellent cost-saving tool for complications such as excessive earwax. Sign up for Mira today.