Procedures
Earwax removal by irrigation, one ear cost in California
Earwax removal by irrigation, one ear usually involves several bills: the facility, the doctor or surgeon, and often anesthesia. Some surgery centers and cash-pay programs quote one bundled price for everything.
Typical cash price
In California
From 208 hospital and 24 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $80.40 (most listed prices $20.46–$291).
Cheapest in California
- $3.96
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Rideout Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $4.06
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Lodi Memorial Hospital Association Inc price file · checked Oct 2026 - University of Michigan Health-Sparrow St. LawrenceEarwax removal by irrigation, one earFacility fee only$7.75
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: University of Michigan Health-Sparrow St. Lawrence price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $8.40
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Regents of the California at Irvine Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $9
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Willits Hospital Inc price file · checked Oct 2026 - $9.86
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Sonora Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - UC Merced Student Health ServicesEar Lavage · Ear wax removal by irrigation (ear lavage)Ask what's included$10
Students without UC SHIP; price is for the ear lavage procedure.
Source: health.ucmerced.edu · checked Oct 2026 - $11.02
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Reedley Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $11.60
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Ukiah Adventist Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $14
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Mountain Communities Healthcare District price file · checked Oct 2026 - $14.85
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: St Helena Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $15.66
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Medical Center Tehachapi price file · checked Oct 2026
Common questions
What does a bundled price include?
A bundled (all-in) price usually covers the facility, the surgeon and anesthesia for the procedure itself. Pre-op tests, implants, pathology and follow-up visits are sometimes extra. Ask for a written Good Faith Estimate.
Do I need a referral?
You usually need a consultation with the surgeon or specialist first. Ask whether the consultation is included in the cash price.
Why are prices so different?
Each hospital and clinic sets its own cash price. Hospitals publish prices because federal rules require it; clinics and booking sites set prices to compete. The same service can cost several times more at one place than at another nearby.
Can I pay cash if I have insurance?
Yes. You can choose to self-pay. A cash price is often lower than what you would pay before meeting your deductible. Cash payments may not count toward your deductible, so check with your plan. Our cash vs. insurance tool can help you decide.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you are uninsured or paying cash, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate of the cost on request. If your final bill is $400 or more above the estimate, you can dispute it.