Authored by the All Ears Nurse Leadership Team

If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens during an OtoSet ear cleaning treatment at All Ears, you’re in the right place.

Ear care can feel mysterious. It’s one of those things most people think they’re doing correctly until they learn that cotton swabs and DIY tools usually make earwax problems worse. So let’s walk through exactly how OtoSet works, what to expect during your appointment, and why this approach has become the modern standard for professional ear care.

First things first: why does earwax matter?

Earwax is totally natural. In fact, it protects your ears from dirt, dust, and bacteria. The issue happens when earwax builds up faster than your body can move it out on its own. That buildup can make everything feel muffled or clogged. It can also cause itching, discomfort, ringing, and even dizziness.

Around 40 million Americans experience symptoms from excess earwax every year, so if you’re dealing with it, you’re far from alone. And while it may be tempting to grab a cotton swab, that often pushes earwax deeper into your ear canal. Many people are surprised to learn that most blockages are caused by overusing swabs or trying DIY tools at home.

This is where professional ear cleaning makes the difference. And this is where OtoSet steps in!

Meet OtoSet: the first FDA-cleared automated ear cleaning device

OtoSet is a wearable device that looks like a sleek pair of headphones - but behind that simple design is a lot of smart engineering. OtoSet combines two clinically backed methods of ear cleaning in one quick treatment: warm water irrigation and gentle microsuction.

The goal is simple. Safely remove excess earwax and leave your ears feeling clean and refreshed.

Before the Treatment Begins: What Your Nurse Does First

Every OtoSet appointment starts with preparation and education. Nothing is rushed, and nothing is done without explaining it to you first.

Step 1: Fresh disposables are added to the device

Your nurse begins by placing brand new, single use disposable waste containers and ear tips onto the OtoSet device. These disposables are designed for one patient only and are replaced after every appointment to ensure a hygienic, mess free treatment.

Step 2: Your nurse walks you through the fit

Next, your nurse explains how the device will sit on your head, how the ear tips fit comfortably at the entrance of your ears, and what the treatment will feel like. OtoSet is designed to rest gently, similar to a pair of over ear headphones. You are encouraged to ask questions so you feel confident and relaxed before starting.

Step 3: Warm, body temperature water is added

Your nurse fills the top tank of the device with warm, body temperature water. This step is important. Cold water can cause dizziness when introduced into the ear canal, so using body temperature water helps keep the experience comfortable and steady.

Step 4: The device is powered on

Once everything is properly fitted and explained, the device is turned on and the treatment begins.

 

Now, we're ready to see what happens during the treatment!

Step 1: The water gently enters your ear canal

Once the device is powered on, warm water flows into the ear canal along the walls, not straight toward the eardrum. The ear tips are designed to guide the water safely. This helps soften and loosen earwax that has built up over time. Most people describe the sensation as calming and surprisingly relaxing.

Step 2: Earwax is broken down

As the warm water circulates, it breaks down the earwax without scraping or forcing anything out. This gentle approach is what makes OtoSet feel so different from traditional methods.

Step 3: Microsuction removes the water and earwax

At the same time the water is flowing in, continuous microsuction pulls both the water and the earwax out of the ear canal and into the disposable waste container. This is the lower portion of the headset. The entire process is contained, which makes it completely mess free.

Spoiler: people love this part. At the end of the treatment, you can look at the container and see exactly what was removed.

Step 4: Post treatment drying and final check

Once the OtoSet cycle finishes, your nurse applies quick drying drops to remove any remaining moisture from the ear canal. Then they take a final look inside your ears to make sure everything is good to go!

The entire treatment usually takes just a few minutes.

So what makes OtoSet different from everything else out there?

→ It’s FDA-cleared
OtoSet is currently the only FDA-cleared automated ear cleaning device. That means it has been tested for safety and effectiveness.

→ It uses safe and consistent pressure
Every cycle is automated and controlled. No guesswork, no DIY risks.

→ It’s quick
Traditional ear cleaning can take twenty minutes or more. OtoSet can clear excess earwax in less than a minute.

→ It’s mess free
All earwax and water go into a disposable waste container. No drenched towels, no cleanup stress.

→ It’s performed by trained nurses
This is not a device you use alone at home. A medical professional performs and supervises the entire treatment.

Who is OtoSet for?

Anyone over 18 who deals with:

• Earwax buildup
• Muffled hearing
• Frequent itching
• A feeling of fullness
• Discomfort or pressure
• Ringing in the ears
• Hearing aid blockages

Even if you’ve never had your ears professionally cleaned before, OtoSet makes it easy. Most people are surprised by how much better they hear and feel afterward.

How often should you get an OtoSet ear cleaning?

Most people benefit from professional ear cleaning every three to six months, similar to routine dental cleanings. If you’re someone who produces more earwax than average or uses hearing aids, you may need cleanings more often.

Your nurse will always check your ears first to make sure OtoSet is the right option for you.

The bottom line

Ear care is one of the most overlooked parts of everyday health, and OtoSet is helping change that. It’s quick, safe, and designed for real people who just want clear hearing and comfortable ears without the drama of DIY tools.

If you’ve been dealing with buildup or you just want that clean ear feeling, OtoSet is a great place to start. Your hearing, your comfort, and your ear health are worth it.

Want to try the treatment yourself? Visit OtoSet.com/FindStudio to book your first appointment.