Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a natural substance that helps protect the ear canal by trapping dust and other particles. It usually moves outward naturally, but it can sometimes accumulate, harden and block the ear canal. When this happens, people may experience muffled hearing, ear fullness, itching, tinnitus, discomfort or occasional imbalance. While reviewing ENT services in Mumbai, I examined the ear-wax management approach offered by Dr. Shama Kovale at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. For patients considering Ear wax removal in Mumbai, the important first step is to confirm that impacted wax is actually responsible for the symptoms and then select an appropriate removal technique.
Earwax is not simply dirt that needs to be routinely scrubbed away. It contributes to the natural protection of the external ear canal and usually clears through normal skin migration and jaw movement. The problem occurs when wax builds up faster than it can leave the canal or becomes hard and impacted.
According to the referenced clinical information, impacted cerumen may cause reduced hearing, a blocked or full sensation, itching, tinnitus and sometimes ear pain, cough or imbalance. In older adults, hearing impairment caused by wax can sometimes be mistaken for other changes in communication or cognition until the obstruction is addressed.
Importantly, not every blocked ear is caused by wax. Ear infections, eardrum disorders, middle-ear problems and other hearing conditions can produce similar symptoms. An ENT examination can distinguish between them.
Muffled hearing is one of the most common signs of cerumen impaction. Some patients describe sounds as distant or notice difficulty understanding speech. Others report pressure, itching, ringing or buzzing in the ear.
Wax can become more troublesome when it is deep, dry or tightly packed. Hearing-aid users may also experience recurrent accumulation. The referenced clinic page recommends periodic checks for people who repeatedly develop impaction, particularly some children and hearing-aid users.
Patients with diabetes, previous ear surgery, an eardrum perforation or ear tubes should be especially cautious about attempting home irrigation. Professional examination is preferable because an incorrect technique can push wax deeper or injure the ear canal or eardrum.
**Dr. Shama S. Kovale is a senior ENT surgeon and voice and swallowing specialist associated with Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Andheri West. Her qualifications include MBBS, DLO and MS in ENT from B.Y.L. Nair Hospital and Topiwala National Medical College, Mumbai.**
Her advanced training includes specialised training in voice and swallowing disorders at UC Davis, California, a laryngology fellowship at Bombay Hospital and cochlear implant surgery training at P.D. Hinduja Hospital. Her professional profile also lists expertise in otology, ear microsurgery, cochlear implantation, endoscopic sinus and skull-base surgery, airway procedures, and voice and swallowing interventions.
Voice of ENT describes Dr. Shama Kovale as having more than 23 years of clinical and surgical expertise, while Kokilaben Hospital’s current profile lists 21 years of practice. Her professional background includes work at reputed institutions such as Hinduja Hospital, Bhagwati Hospital and A.J.B. ENT Hospital. She is also involved in ENT research, academic conferences and professional teaching and has received Top Docs recognition for voice specialisation.
For patients looking for an ENT Specialist in Mumbai, her combination of core ENT training and experience in ear surgery is relevant when assessing complaints such as wax impaction, hearing changes and recurrent ear problems.
Professional ear cleaning is different from inserting a cotton bud into the ear canal. The referenced wax-removal page describes two techniques used by Dr. Shama Kovale at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital: microsuction under visualisation and gentle manual removal using an operating microscope.
Microsuction uses controlled suction to remove wax while the doctor directly visualises the canal. Manual removal uses appropriate instruments when required. Visual guidance helps the clinician avoid blindly pushing objects against the canal or eardrum.
The technique selected depends on the consistency and location of the wax, the anatomy of the ear canal and whether the patient has any underlying ear condition. Some patients may be advised to use prescribed wax-softening drops before removal when appropriate.