Blocked ears, muffled hearing, or a feeling of fullness? Dr Joel Foo offers professional ear wax removal at his Jurong clinic using gentle microsuction, ear irrigation and manual extraction — performed under direct visualisation with an otoscope, from $65.40 per ear.
Medically Reviewed By: Dr Joel Foo MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Ed), DWD (CAW), GDFM Men's Health Doctor & Family Physician
Last updated: Jul 27, 2026
Ear wax, medically known as cerumen, is a natural secretion produced by glands in the outer ear canal. It mixes with dead skin cells and fine hairs to form a protective layer that traps dust, bacteria and debris before they reach the eardrum, and keeps the canal lubricated.
Normally, ear wax migrates outward on its own and there is no need to remove it. Impaction happens when wax builds up faster than it can be expelled — typically pressing tightly against the eardrum and causing muffled hearing, fullness, or discomfort. This is when professional removal helps.
Cerumen impaction is common. Internationally, it affects an estimated 5% of healthy adults and around 10% of children, and is more frequent in older adults and people who use hearing aids.
The most common sign of ear wax impaction is noticeable hearing reduction, often in one ear. Other signs include:
Symptoms often develop gradually over weeks or months. If your hearing has dropped suddenly, or if there is pain, bleeding or discharge, see a doctor sooner — these may point to a different problem rather than simple wax buildup.
Most cases of ear wax impaction come down to a combination of anatomy, habits and skin or medical conditions.
At Dr Joel Foo's Jurong clinic, ear wax removal is performed under direct visualisation using an otoscope so the doctor can see exactly what is being removed. The method is chosen after examining the ear and reviewing your history.
Microsuction uses a small, low-pressure vacuum device to gently suction wax out of the ear canal. Because it is done under direct visualisation, it is precise and avoids the need to introduce water into the ear. Microsuction is suitable for people with a perforated eardrum, grommets, or a previous history of ear infection — situations where irrigation is not appropriate.
Ear irrigation uses a controlled stream of warm water from an electronic irrigator to flush wax out of the canal. It is commonly used for softer, more recent wax buildup. Irrigation is not suitable if you have a perforated eardrum, an active ear infection, grommets, or a history of ear surgery — your doctor will advise. At the clinic, ear irrigation is performed for patients aged 16 and above.
For wax that is hard, dry or close to the entrance of the canal, the doctor may use small specialised instruments — curettes, forceps or hooks — to remove the wax under direct otoscope visualisation. This is often combined with microsuction or irrigation when wax is particularly stubborn.
If wax is deeply impacted, you may be advised to use a wax softener such as olive oil or pharmacy ear drops at home for about a week before the appointment. Softer wax is easier and more comfortable to remove.
Every session starts with an otoscope examination to check the type and extent of wax impaction before the most suitable technique is chosen. The images below show what a typical ear wax removal session looks like at the Jurong clinic.
Dr Joel Foo offers gentle, same-day ear wax removal at the Jurong clinic — microsuction and irrigation performed under otoscope visualisation, from $65.40 per ear. WhatsApp the clinic for the next available slot.
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Most patients can return to normal activities straight after the appointment. You may notice that everyday sounds seem louder for a few hours — this is normal and settles quickly once the ear adjusts.
Contact the clinic if you develop persistent pain, bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, ongoing dizziness, sudden worsening of hearing or a fever after the procedure.
Pricing for ear wax removal at Dr Joel Foo's Jurong clinic. Final costs depend on the consultation length, whether one or both ears are treated, and whether a wax softener is needed beforehand.
| Service | Price* |
|---|---|
| Consultation (includes otoscope examination of the ear canal) | From $49.05 |
| Ear Irrigation (Syringing) + Microsuction – 1 Ear | $65.40 |
| Ear Irrigation (Syringing) + Microsuction – 2 Ear | $103.55 |
* Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
Last updated: Jun 11, 2026. While every effort is made to keep pricing information up to date, please WhatsApp 8095 3275 to confirm the latest rates.
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Common questions Dr Joel Foo is asked about ear wax removal, microsuction and irrigation in Singapore.
At Dr Joel Foo's Jurong clinic, ear irrigation and microsuction is $65.40 for one ear and $103.55 for both ears, excluding the consultation fee of $49.05. Final costs depend on the consultation length and whether a wax softener is needed beforehand. Please WhatsApp 8095 3275 to confirm the latest rates.
Yes. A trained GP can remove uncomplicated ear wax using ear irrigation, microsuction and manual extraction. Referral to an ENT specialist is recommended for people with a perforated eardrum, grommets, previous ear surgery or recurrent ear infections — your doctor will advise after examining the ear.
Ear wax removal is generally well tolerated and most patients describe it as uncomfortable rather than painful. You may feel pressure, hear loud suction noises during microsuction, or feel water movement during irrigation. Sharp pain is not expected — tell your doctor immediately if you feel it so the procedure can be paused.
Professional removal is worth it when you have symptoms — muffled hearing, ear fullness, tinnitus, itchiness or discomfort from impaction. If you have no symptoms, the ear canal usually self-cleans and routine removal is not needed. Removal should be guided by what your ear is doing, not a fixed schedule.
Common signs include reduced hearing (often one-sided), a sense of fullness or pressure in the ear, earache without infection, tinnitus, itchiness deep in the canal, occasional dizziness or imbalance, and sometimes a persistent cough from canal stimulation. Symptoms usually develop gradually over weeks or months.
Cotton buds often push wax deeper and are the most common cause of impaction. Stop using them and avoid further self-removal. You can soften wax with olive oil or pharmacy ear drops for a few days, but if symptoms persist — muffled hearing, fullness, pain — see a doctor for irrigation, microsuction or manual extraction.
No. Pharmacies sell over-the-counter ear drops and olive oil that soften wax at home, but they do not remove it. If softening alone does not resolve symptoms, see a GP or ENT clinic for professional removal under direct visualisation.
There is no fixed schedule. Many people never need wax removed in their lifetime, while others — especially hearing aid users, those with narrow ear canals or naturally heavy wax production — may need it every 6 to 12 months. Removal should be guided by symptoms, not routine.
Normal ear wax ranges from light yellow to dark brown or black, depending on age and how long it has been in the canal. Wax mixed with blood, pus, or with an unpleasant smell may suggest infection or injury and should be reviewed by a doctor — especially if accompanied by pain, hearing loss or fever.
Men's health services — screening, testosterone, erectile dysfunction, hair loss and weight management — are available at all four clinics. Dr Joel practises at Jurong; our other male physicians cover Tanjong Pagar (Anson House), Orchard and Novena. Medication from telemedicine consultations can be collected at any location.
21 Jurong Gateway Rd, #02-08
CPF Jurong Building
Singapore 608546
72 Anson Rd, #01-02
Anson House
Singapore 079911
1 Orchard Blvd, #05-09
Camden Medical Centre
Singapore 248649
101 Irrawaddy Road, #09-01
Royal Square Medical Centre
Singapore 329565
Message us on WhatsApp for a same-day appointment with Dr Joel Foo — gentle microsuction and irrigation under otoscope visualisation.
