Ear Wax Removal & Microsuction
The most advanced method of ear cleaning in Melbourne. As an effective and non-invasive method, microsuction ear wax removal offers a safer alternative to traditional methods.
What are the benefits?
Choosing earLAB for your ear wax removal means you benefit from the safest and most effective method available. Our professional approach ensures a comfortable experience with immediate results.
Safe and Gentle
Unlike traditional ear syringing which uses water, microsuction is a dry procedure. The process is performed under a microscope, allowing our audiologists to see clearly and avoid contact with the eardrum. This makes it a much safer and more comfortable option, particularly for those with a history of eardrum perforations or ear infections.
Instant Results
The procedure typically takes only a few minutes, and the effects are immediate. You will notice a significant improvement in your hearing and a reduction in any discomfort straight away.
Performed by Audiologists
Your ear wax removal is carried out by a qualified audiologist. This ensures you are in the hands of a professional with extensive training in ear anatomy and a commitment to your overall hearing health.
Before your appointment: Online forms
To ensure a smooth and informed consultation, we ask that you complete a pre-consultation survey and a consent form online before your appointment. This provides our audiologists with important information about your general health and ear history, allowing us to deliver the safest and most effective care.
Arrival and Consultation
When you arrive at our clinic, you'll be greeted by our friendly staff. Your audiologist will then take you into a private room to discuss your symptoms and any relevant medical history. We also understand that sometimes symptoms can be present even without wax. In these cases, your appointment time is still valuable, and our audiologist will use the time to consult with you on your ear health concerns and provide professional advice and discuss your options for other relevant services.
Expert Examination
Using a state-of-the-art video otoscope, your audiologist will perform a thorough examination of your ear canal and eardrum. This camera allows us to show you inside your ear on a screen, giving you a clear view of the impacted wax. This initial check-up helps us assess the situation and plan the safest method for removal.
The Microsuction Procedure
With a clear view of the ear, your audiologist will gently and carefully insert a small suction device into the ear canal. You will hear a soft whooshing sound as the wax is safely removed. In some cases, our audiologist may also use specialised manual extraction tools, such as a curette, to safely remove any hard or stubborn wax. The procedure is quick, typically taking only a few minutes per ear.
Post-Procedure Check
Once the wax has been successfully removed, your audiologist will perform a final check of the ear canal to ensure it is clear. They will also provide you with any necessary aftercare advice to help keep your ears healthy in the future.
Follow-up Appointments
In very rare situations where ear wax is extremely hard or severely impacted, a follow-up appointment may be necessary. This allows us to work safely and gently, ensuring a positive result for even the most difficult cases.
Pricing
Microsuction appointments at earLAB are not covered by Medicare. All prices include GST where applicable and cover the treatment of both ears, regardless of whether wax is present in one or both. There is no charge if you need to return for a second follow up appointment if prescribed by the Clinician.
Booking is essential. Credit card and contactless payment only at this time.
Adults 16 and over
Microsuction & Earwax removal for adults.
If there is no wax present in ears, a consultation fee of $60 apply.
Adults 50 and over
Microsuction & Basic Hearing Check
40 minutes fixed fee appointment for ear wax removal, consultation and hearing screen
Students
Microsuction & Earwax removal for students.
If there is no wax present in ears, a consultation fee of $60 apply.
Children 10-16
Microsuction & Earwax removal for children.
If there is no wax present in ears, a consultation fee of $60 apply.
Why choose Microsuction for ear cleaning
While there are several methods for removing ear wax, microsuction is the safest and most effective choice. Unlike other techniques, microsuction is a professional, clinically proven procedure that prioritises your safety and comfort above all else.
Microsuction vs. Syringing/Irrigation
Syringing or irrigation involves flushing the ear with a high-pressure jet of water. This can be messy, uncomfortable, and carries a higher risk of complications, including ear infections, dizziness (vertigo), and potential damage to the eardrum. Microsuction, by contrast, is a dry procedure that uses gentle suction under direct vision, eliminating the risks associated with water.
Microsuction vs. Ear Candling
Ear candling is an unproven and medically unrecognised method. It is not only ineffective at removing wax but is also extremely dangerous, with risks of burns, fire, and ear canal damage from hot wax. We strongly advise against this practice.
Microsuction vs. Cotton Buds
The old saying "you should never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear" holds true. Using cotton buds pushes wax deeper into the ear canal, compacting it against the eardrum and making the problem worse. Our professional microsuction service removes the wax completely and safely, without any risk of impaction. Choosing microsuction means opting for a safe, comfortable, and highly effective procedure performed by a qualified professional.
Preparation & Aftercare
To ensure your microsuction appointment is as comfortable and effective as possible, it's helpful to prepare your ears slightly. After your appointment, a little care can help maintain your ear health.
While we can remove even hard, impacted wax, we recommend a simple preparation to make the procedure quicker and more comfortable.
Apply a few drops of olive oil to your ear for 2-3 nights leading up to your appointment. This gentle approach helps to soften the wax, allowing for easier and more efficient removal. You can purchase ear olive oil from any chemist.
Avoid using over-the-counter drops that contain hydrogen peroxide. These can irritate the delicate skin of the ear canal and potentially make the wax more difficult to remove.
Your ears may feel sensitive or a little echoey after the procedure - this is a completely normal sensation as they adjust to the change in pressure. Your hearing should be noticeably clearer straight away.
Give your ears some time to adjust. Avoid putting anything in your ears and be gentle with them for the next few days.
Do not use cotton buds. They can push wax deeper and should be avoided at all times.
To keep your ears from drying out and to help them with their natural self-cleaning process, we recommend using a few drops of olive oil once or twice a month.
If you have any questions or concerns after your appointment, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help.
Ear wax is a natural and important part of your ear health. It acts as a protective barrier against microorganisms, dirt, and other irritants that could harm the ear.
The ear has a remarkable self-cleaning mechanism where wax gradually moves from the inner ear to the outer ear, where it can eventually fall out. This process typically takes a couple of months.
The amount of ear wax produced varies from person to person. For some, excessive wax can accumulate and lead to blockages that require medical treatment. This can happen for several reasons:
Genetics: Some individuals naturally produce more ear wax than can be removed.
Ear Canal Issues: A narrowed ear canal or bone blockages can prevent the natural removal of wax.
Health Conditions: Conditions like swimmer's ear, surfer's ear, or eczema can affect wax production.
Injury: An overproduction of ear wax can sometimes be a response to an injury.
Our Clinics
Visit us at our two convenient clinic locations. Our experienced clinicians are here to support you with microsuction earwax removal, hearing assessments, hearing aid fittings, and custom ear impressions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read some of our most common questions about ear wax removal, ear impressions, sleep plugs and swim plugs.
Microsuction is widely regarded by audiologists and ENT specialists as one of the safest and most precise methods of removing impacted ear wax because the ear canal is visualised throughout the procedure. It is considered the most advanced method of ear cleaning in Melbourne, reducing risk to the ear canal and eardrum compared with irrigation or cotton buds. We offer microsuction for adults and children from 10 years old. Book a same-day or next-day appointment at our Richmond or Footscray clinics for immediate relief today.
Yes, microsuction is performed by qualified audiologists at earLAB. As an independent audiology clinic, we are not tied to one manufacturer, so our focus is always on the most suitable care for each person. Our team has experience working with adults, teens and children from age 10, and we provide appointments at both our Richmond and Footscray locations, with same-day bookings often available.
Common signs include reduced or muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness, earache, ringing (tinnitus), itching, odour or recurrent infections. Wax can also affect hearing aids or cause dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, avoid self-removal and book an appointment for a professional check and microsuction ear cleaning by a qualified audiologist if needed. We often have same-day and next day appointments available for your convenience.
It depends on your wax production and risk factors. If you use hearing aids, have narrow canals, or prior impactions, every 6–12 months is common. Otherwise, book a check at our Richmond or Footscray clinics when you notice symptoms or for a routine review every 1–2 years. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available.
Yes. Impacted wax can block the ear canal and cause temporary conductive hearing loss, muffled sound, balance issues or tinnitus. Removal usually restores hearing quickly, but persistent issues need further testing. Avoid self-removal; book an appointment for a professional assessment and microsuction ear wax removal from a qualified audiologist in Richmond or Footscray to restore hearing and rule out other causes of hearing loss.
Self-removal carries risk. Avoid cotton buds, ear candles and forceful irrigation, as they can push wax deeper, damage the eardrum or cause infection. Gentle softening with a few drops of olive oil for a day or two can help, but if you have pain, discharge, hearing loss, perforation or previous ear surgery, book an appointment with our qualified audiologists. For added convenience, we usually have same-day and next-day appointments available.
Appointments typically last 20 minutes depending on wax amount and ear anatomy and longer if you are also having hearing tests. Your visit with our qualified audiologists includes an ear examination, explanation of findings, the microsuction procedure and post-procedure advice. We treat adults and children aged 10 at our clinics in Richmond or Footscray clinics and often have same-day or next-day appointments available.
Most people experience little or no discomfort, and many people actually enjoy the sensation! You may feel light suction or a ticklish sensation during the procedure. If you have sensitivity, we adjust technique or pause so you stay comfortable. We prioritise gentle care and clear communication, and every procedure is carried out by a qualified audiologist. Book a consultation to discuss comfort options and arrange a safe removal.
Yes. We treat children aged 10 for microsuction wax removal. We use child-friendly techniques, explain steps simply and keep sessions calm. For younger children or special needs, we assess suitability on a case-by-case basis. Book a consultation to arrange a child-appropriate appointment with a qualified audiologist at our Richmond or Footscray clinics. We often have same-day and next day appointments available for your convenience.
Many people notice improved hearing immediately after wax removal. Results depend on duration and extent of blockage. We perform a quick hearing check if needed and advise on follow-up care. If hearing issues persist, we offer full audiology assessment and hearing tests and hearing aid services. Same-day and next-day appointment options are usually available for your convenience.
Do not use over-the-counter eardrops. For most earLAB clients, no pre-treatment is required. If your ears feel severely blocked, a few drops of olive oil once or twice daily for up to two days before your ear wax cleaning appointment is usually sufficient. We treat adults and children from 10. Book online to arrange your appointment at our Richmond or Footscray clinics.
Microsuction fees: Adults (16-49) $120, Adults (50+) $110, Students $105, Children (10–16) $90. Bookings are essential. We accept credit card or contactless payments only. All prices include GST. If no wax is found a $60 consultation fee applies for the time and expertise provided. We often have same-day and next day appointments available for your convenience.
Routine microsuction ear wax removal is generally not covered by Medicare.
After microsuction, you may have brief residual moisture or minor itching. We provide clear aftercare instructions and schedule reviews if needed. At your appointment with a qualified audiologist, you will receive personalised post-procedure guidance and follow-up. We frequently offer quick appointment availability, including same-day and next-day visits.
Swimmer’s ear causes ear pain, itchiness, redness, discharge, reduced hearing or tenderness when touching the outer ear. If symptoms appear after water exposure or persist more than a day, it’s important to see your GP. earLAB offers ear impressions, custom ear plugs for swimmers, and ear examination services at our Richmond or Footscray clinics. We are the exclusive Australian distributor of ACS Custom.
Take care of your hearing today
Book an appointment with our experts and hear the difference.
