Minor cases of cerumen impaction may resolve with use of over the counter ear wax cleaners. Over the counter cleaners should never be used if there is a hole in the ear drum, tube in the ear, or other ear disease without first consulting a trained physician. Ear candles should not be used as serious injury has occurred from this technique. However, when the impaction is more severe a trained physician should remove the cerumen. The physicians at Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat will examine your ear and can use a variety of techniques to remove the cerumen. The ear may be examined with a microscope and special instruments or a vacuum can be used to remove the wax and relieve symptoms.   Relief is often immediate and complications such as discomfort or minor bleeding are rare.