Time To Clean Out All The Gunk Hiding Out In Your Ears

It might be a guilty pleasure, but nothing quite compares to the feeling of getting all that gunk from all our ears. However, before you reach out for a Q-tip to clear out all that earwax buildup, you might want to ask yourself if you are removing your earwax the right way. With that being said, you can always seek out for a professional’s help to get rid of all that grime in your ears! Ahead, Beauty Insider has got you covered on everything you need to know about ear cleaning in Singapore!

What is Earwax Buildup?

First things first, what is earwax exactly? Earwax — also known as ‘cerumen’ — is a waxy substance that is naturally secreted in the ear canal. Although the idea of having earwax lodged in your ear might tempt you into getting rid of it quick, earwax does not always spell trouble for your ears! This is because earwax works as a natural barrier to protect your ear canal from bacteria, fungi, water and any other external aggressors.

Should You Clean Your Ears by Yourself?

While you may be tempted to use a Q-tip to dig out all of that earwax, this can actually cause more harm to your ears than good. By using a Q-tip to remove any earwax, this will push the earwax deeper into the ear canal, which can lead to ear blockages. Plus, attempting to clean your ears by yourself with a Q-tip can easily damage the ear’s fragile lining, which can increase the risk of infection!

Unbeknownst to many, the ear canal is a self-cleaning organ. So you can ditch the Q-tip and let your ears do the work.

Having said that, earwax buildup can pose as a problem when it is excessive. This causes blockages in the ear, which can lead to temporary hearing loss or earaches. If left untreated, excess earwax buildup can lead to infections, which can cause severe pains to your ears and even fevers!

What is the Ear Cleaning Process Like?

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When it comes to ear cleaning, there is no one-size-fits-all method. After all, it all boils down to the different ear cleaning methods you decide to opt for. Ahead, we break down the most popular earwax cleaning processes:

Barbershop Ear Cleaning

Fresh shaves and cuts aside, barbershops have also when it comes to ear cleaning services. First, the barbers would take you through an ear assessment to endure your ears are deemed fit to undergo ear cleaning. The barber would then proceed to use tools like peacock feathers (yes, you read that correctly) to relax your ears and prep them for earwax removal. After that, a horsetail hair is used to gently massage the ear canal and scoop out any earwax buildup. The session then ends with the use of a tuning fork-like instrument, which is used to create ringing sounds. ASMR much? If you need a visual, check out how traditional ear cleaning is done in barbershops here.

Microsuction

Known as the ‘aural toilet’, the microsuction method is most commonly performed by ENT specialists. As its name suggests, this method involves the use of a mini vacuum, which is used to suction out all the earwax buildup. The ENT specialists commonly conduct this process under the guidance of a microscope or an endoscope. Microsuction earwax removal has been lauded as one of the safest ways of removal. However, this earwax removal method is known to be the most costly one as compared to other methods. For the curious ones, this video has got you covered on what the microsuction earwax removal process looks like.

Ear Syringing

Another popular earwax removal method, ear syringing is no stranger to many looking to clear out their earwax. Typically done in GP clinics, this method is performed using a syringe and saline or warm water to flush out any earwax. The dislodged earwax would then flow out of the ear canal into a dish before it is disposed of.

Who Can Undergo Ear Cleaning?

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The good news is that anyone can undergo ear cleaning! With that said, it is always best to check with a doctor or professional to see if you require an ear cleaning session. For more severe cases, we highly recommend seeking help from an ENT specialist.

On top of that, if you have have an active ear infection, many professionals would also advise against undergoing an ear cleaning session.

Who can benefit from the Ear Cleaning Procedure?

• People that experience symptoms relating to ear wax build-up
• Patient that wears hearing aids
• People with the different anatomical formation of the ear canal
• Children who require ear cleaning procedure and able to cooperate willingly

How Much Does Ear Cleaning in Singapore Cost? 

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As with all procedures, the price of an ear cleaning session varies depending on the chosen earwax removal method. For ear syringing and barbershop ear cleaning, the price of typically ranges from $20 to $30. As for microsuction earwax removal, the price can range anywhere from $40 to $150 per ear.

Where Can I Get an Ear Cleaning in Singapore?

LA Barbershop

For the classy gentleman who needs a new coiffure, LA Barbershop is one barbershop to keep an eye out for. Apart from the slick shaves this barbershop offers, LA Barbershop offers a slew of services to keep your grooming affairs in check. Of course, this barbershop did not forget to include ear cleaning services to ensure you are kept in tip-top shape.

Although the barbershop caters to gentlemen, the ladies can also get in on this barbershop’s unique ear cleaning services!

Price: $21.40 for Ear Cleaning

Address: 10 Sinaran Dr, Novena Square #02-02, Singapore 307506

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 11am to 9.20pm

Contact: 6904 4311

Find out more about LA Barbershop here.

Hanami Barber

Tucked away in the heart of Clarke Quay, Hanami Barber is a lesser known gem that is set on taking your grooming game to the next level. Helmed by a team of Japanese barbers, this barbershop promises to take care of all your grooming needs while pampering you like never before. As expected, this barbershop also offers ear cleaning services to keep you on your A-game!

Price: $20 for Ear Cleaning

Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen St, Singapore 059817

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 11am to 8.15pm, Sat-Sun: 10am to 7.15pm

Contact: 6534 9926

Find out more about Hanami Barber here.

ENT Surgeons Medical Centre

ENT Surgeons Medical Centre is the leading ENT clinic in Singapore and it is helmed by Dr. Dennis Chua. They offer a wide range of treatments such as facial plastics, snoring, allergies, thyroid, and including the ear. With their trained and experienced specialists, they will ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure and achieve optimal results.

Address: 3 Mount Elizabeth, #08-02 Medical Centre, Singapore 228510

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 9 am – 5 pm. Saturday: 9 am – 12 pm

Contact: +65 87118955

Find out more about ENT Surgeons Medical Centre here.

Dr. Tan & Partners Medical Center

Established in 2005, Dr. Tan & Partners Medical Center has expanded with several branches throughout Singapore and Malaysia. They offer a myriad of treatments all under one roof including ear cleaning procedures. Particularly for micro-suction ear wax Removal (Aural Toilet), the estimated price for a single side of the ear is $107 meanwhile for both sides is $202.

Price: $107 for single side and $202 for both sides, however the prices exclude consultation

Address: 7 Fraser St, B3-18 DUO Galleria (Bugis MRT), Singapore 189356

Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 9 am – 5 pm. Tuesday and Friday: 9 am – 8 pm. Saturday: 9 am – 1 pm

Contact: +65 89219288

Find out more about Dr. Tan & Partners Medical Center here.

The ENT Clinic

With 4.8 star ratings on Google, The ENT Clinic is the preferred clinic amongst the locals due to its quality treatments and skilled specialists. At The ENT Clinic, you can find several treatments such as voice and speech therapy, children’s ENT, allergy, hearing and balance. Furthermore, their clinic is equipped with the essential technology to ensure optimal results.

Price: Ear microsuction clearance treatment cost about $100 to $300

Address: Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre 38 Irrawaddy Road #07-46/47Singapore 329563

Opening Hours: Weekday: 9 am – 5 pm. Saturday: 9 am – 1 pm.

Contact: +6582183748

Find out more about The ENT Clinic here.

Raffles ENT Centre

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Next, Raffles ENT Centre offers a comprehensive list of treatments all under one roof. Their services cater to people of different ages that experience health issues related to the ear, nose, or throat. Moreover, they deliver impeccable treatments and visible results. During the consultation, they will brief you on a suitable treatment plan.

Address: Raffles Hospital 585 North Bridge Road Singapore 188770

Opening Hours: Weekday: 8.30 am – 6 pm. Saturday: 8.30 am – 1 pm

Contact: +65631112298

Find out more about Raffles ENT Centre here.

Zenith Medical Centre

Zenith Medical Centre offers an extensive list of treatments and services including ear, nose and throat. Particularly for earwax removal they offer two treatments which are using the syringe to wash out the earwax or ear suction. They will advise you on the suitable treatment depending on your conditions.

Price: Ear syringing or microsuction for a single ear less than 10 minutes procedure is $25. Meanwhile for both ears are $40.

Address: 266C Punggol Way, #01-374, Singapore 823266

Opening Hours: Weekdays 8 am – 1 pm, 6 pm – 11 pm. Saturday: 8 am–1 pm. Sunday: 6 pm – 11 pm

Contact: +6564433678

Find out more about Zenith Medical Centre here.

Dr Gan Eng Cern Sinus & ENT Specialist Singapore

Dr. Gan Eng Cern Sinus & ENT Specialist Singapore is one of the ear, nose, and throat clinics in Singapore. They offer various types of treatments relating to ear conditions such as ear infections, hearing loss, impacted earwax, and vertigo. Besides that, the clinic is complete with certified technology and machines to ensure comfort and safety.

Price: The starting price of consultation fees is $150

Address: 38 Irrawaddy Road #08-45 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre Singapore 329563

Opening Hours: Weekday: 9 am – 5 pm. Saturday: 8:30 am – 12 pm

Contact: +6590582480

Find out more about Dr. Gan Eng Cern Sinus & ENT Specialist Singapore here.

My ENT Specialist

Helmed by Dr. Paul Mok and Dr. Lau Hung Tuan, My ENT Specialist is known for its quality service and visible results. They treat various ear conditions such as vertigo, giddiness, ear pain, hearing loss, and blocked ears. With their comfortable ambiance and dedicated staff, they will ensure that you only obtain suitable treatment.

Address: 1 Farrer Park Station Rd, #10-20, Singapore 217562

Opening Hours: Weekday: 8:30 am – 5 pm. Saturday : 9 am – 12:30 pm

Contact: +6566905487

Find out more about My ENT Specialist here.