Ear Wax Removal & Microsuction

Most GPs will treat a blocked ear with an ear syringe, which is a pressurised device that flushes out the ear with water. This isn’t always effective, and can lead to infection or damage to the eardrum. Microsuction, by contrast, is gentle, dry, precise and safe – the gold standard for ear wax removal.

Yes. Medical specialists around the world regard aural microsuction as the safest, most effective choice for cleaning ears (also known as ‘dewaxing’). Usually the procedure is very quick, easy and gives you instant relief. At our ear wax removal clinic in Melbourne we have performed this proceedure countless times with great results. Microsuction can be used even if the eardrum has been previously perforated. It is useful in removing excessive discharge caused by ear infection and it can also remove foreign bodies.

The length of your treatment will depend on the degree of blockage, so please allow for up to 20 minutes in your schedule. Usually you can expect amazing results within half that time.

Everyone produces ear wax at a different rate. If you’re prone to build-up, you’ll need microsuction more frequently. In general, it’s good to have a regular check-up every 6 to 12 months for good ear wax management and to prevent any issues. We can place you on our recall list as a reminder to have your ears cleaned every 6, 9 or 12 months.

We DO NOT see children under the age of 10. We recommend that children should be at least 10 years old and up and are able to sit still on the chair for 15 minutes or so with the assistance of a parent. Young children often find microsuction more comfortable than ear irrigation or syringing. The procedure can be noisy when using the suction machine, but we can remove ear wax using other instruments to make the procedure more acceptable if required.

We advice not to use any over-the-counter eardrops e.g. Waxol, Cerumol, Audiclean Ear Wax Remover, Ear Clear ear drops, Clean Ears spray, Aquaear ear drops, Audisol earwax remover etc...Usually microsuction does not need pre-treatment, if you feel your ears are severely blocked you may use some olive oil for up to two days before the appointment to soften any wax build-up this can make the procedure faster and more comfortable.

In short, no. Cotton buds are most likely to simply push the wax further in. Over time, this can create severe build-up of cerumen, damage the soft tissues in your ear canal and even puncture the eardrum. So as the saying goes, never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear!

Ear candles are more dangerous than they look. They can cause burns to your face, hair, scalp, ear canal and eardrum. You’ll also introduce traces of candle wax into the ear canal, and can risk perforating your eardrum. Ultimately, research has shown that ear candles don’t work – so avoid them.

Adults: $120|Seniors (65+): $110| Students: $105| Children (age10-16): $90. Bookings are essential. Payment is by credit card, or contactless only. All prices include GST. PLEASE NOTE: Even if no wax is found, a $60 consultation fee applies for the time and expertise provided. Medicare does not cover microsuction appointments.

Most health insurance plans only cover audiology consultations and hearing aids, not other services like microsuction. This is due to their fund rules. However, St. Lukes Health provides rebates for our services. For more details, please contact your health fund's customer service.

Yes, microsuction does not touch the inner canal, so it won’t affect your balance. Some people may feel unsteady during the procedure but are fine afterward.

It's crucial to consider that issues like hearing loss could be due to problems in the middle or inner ear rather than just earwax buildup. In such instances, earwax removal might not be the most suitable solution. The Audiologist will engage in a discussion with the patient to explore potential next steps. This may involve referrals for hearing tests, middle ear pressure tests, scans, or balance testing. The specific tests needed will be determined based on the individual patient's history and examination results.

After a microsuction procedure, keep your ears clean and dry to prevent infection. Avoid swimming or submerging your ears in water for at least 48 hours.

Earwax is a natural lubricant and antibacterial agent produced by glands in the ear canal. It helps clean, lubricate, and protect the ear, trapping dirt and preventing excess water from entering. This is essential for maintaining ear health.