How Much Does Ear Wax Removal Cost
Our ears have earwax that is produced to protect it from foreign particles, dust and other microorganisms. It is normal for the wax to get into the canal and ear opening. However, there are instances where the ear wax can build up and may block your ears.
The tendency is when you clean the ear wax, you may push it deeper as it may result to blockage and also hearing loss. Cleaning your ears is easy and for some who want to avoid having to pay for the cost of removing wax from ear. But if you aren’t sure with the right way to do it and there is already a problem you should go to a doctor. How much does ear wax removal cost?
Signs and Symptoms of Ear Wax Buildup
Under normal instances, there is no need for you to go to the doctor just to remove ear wax. On the other hand, there are also instances where there is earwax buildup and you need a doctor to remove it. Signs of excess earwax would include sudden hearing loss, Tinnitus and earache. There are also instances where you feel fullness in your ears. If you experience the symptoms of infection like for instance there is severe pain, fever, hearing loss, odor and dizziness, you should go to your doctor right away.
Average Ear Cleaning Rate
Most people in attempt to try to dig or get rid of earwax on their ears just to avoid having to shoulder the cost of removing wax from ear. But this is not strongly recommended especially if you are experiencing problems more than the usual. How much does ear wax removal cost? The average ear cleaning rate would depend on whether you have insurance policy as well as the fees charged by the doctor. If you do not have any insurance, the cost ranges from $40 to $100. This is the average ear cleaning rate if you go to a clinic without insurance.
How much does ear wax removal cost if you have insurance? You will have to pay for the copays and there are also deductibles. For copays, the cost ranges from $5 to $75. This will still depend on your insurance provider. On the average, the office visit copay would cost you around $19.
If there is no need for you to go to the doctor, you can have earwax removal kit that you can purchase over the counter. It would only cost you about $5. There are also earwax removal system that can cost about $30. For an earwax removal using eardrops, the cost is about $5. There are also alternative ways to remove earwax like ear candling. Although there is a warning by the Food and Drug Administration, there might be some who want to try this alternative. The cost ranges from $2 to $250. If you want to try ear candling at a spa or salon, the cost is about $25 or even more.
There are also additional costs that you may end up paying for. There are cases where people would go for the ear candling method and if this results to an injury and you do not have any insurance, it can cost you from $50 as high as $100000 depending on the injury. So, to avoid having to experience this scenario, once you start experiencing the signs and symptoms, see a doctor right away.
What Are Included?
When you go to the doctor for earwax removal, your doctor will talk to you about symptoms and other concerns. He will also further examine your ears for any sign of infection or if there are problems. Based on his diagnosis, he will recommend that best method to remove earwax. There are doctors who would use pressurized water while there are others who would either use vacuum removal or a light suction.
When you buy the over the counter kits, some of them are almost similar to what the doctor uses. For instance, loop kits also come with a plastic loop to remove the wax and the instructions on how to do it. There is the Kryosol kit which comes with wax-loosening solution and product information. If you use earwax drops, it includes information, instructions and a container that has 5 ounces and 1 ounce of the solution. This solution dissolves the wax in your ear canal.
Searching for Earwax Removal
The cost of removing wax from ear is not too expensive, but it will still cost you some. So, you really need to take the time to shop for earwax removal. When you are experience ear pain or difficulty hearing, you should consult your doctor. Going for the over the counter products might make the problem worse. As such, it is better that you seek professional help. Before you purchase any earwax removal product, you can also ask the pharmacist about any other possible options. If you are looking for an ear specialist, you can ask for referrals.
Preparing for an Appointment
In cases where you have to see a doctor, you have to prepare for your appointment. But there are also cases where you may be referred to a specialist in case you have an ear disorder. Before your appointment, do not attempt to remove earwax can result to more serious injury and problem. Prepare for the appointment, your doctor may ask you about your symptoms and if you are having any difficulty hearing.
Are There Natural Remedies?
For those who want to reduce costs, there are home remedies. This can be useful if you do not have to deal with severe earwax problem. To soften the wax, you can use oil like baby oil or mineral oil. After one day or two, you can use warm water when the wax is loosened. Use a syringe to squirt it in your ear canal. Tilt your ear and pull your ear up and then back again. Let the water out.