Ears feeling blocked?
Many people suffer from ear canal blockages due to a buildup of earwax. This may result in a temporary hearing loss, tinnitus, earache, a feeling of pressure in the ears, itchiness, or coughing.
If you have these symptoms described above, your ear canal may be blocked with wax. Call 1300 761 021 or book your appointment here.
Our audiologists use a binocular microscope called the Vorotek O-Scope, which allows a clear view of the outer ear canal and its contents. Depending on each individual’s situation, the earwax is removed using microsuction, special ear wax removal tools, or a combination of both. This is the gentlest way to remove earwax and other foreign bodies from the ear canal. Read more.
Price of ear cleaning
The price for earwax removal is $135. You will need a 30-minute appointment. Please call 1300 761 021 or book your appointment here.
Prior to your appointment
To assist the wax removal procedure, our team may instruct you to use wax drops or olive oil drops 2-3 days before your appointment. This may help improve our team’s ability to remove the wax on the day comfortably.
Hearing aids whistling?
People who use hearing aids may be more prone to earwax blockages because the hearing aid may prevent the natural migration of wax out of the ear. This may lead to a number of complications, including whistling or blocked hearing aids, preventing them from working properly.
Ear wax removal for children
We offer earwax removal services for children over 10 years of age, as the child must be able to keep their head still during the procedure. If you have a younger child with earwax, we recommend you try our Ear Wax Removal Spray. You can purchase it at our online shop, or alternatively, please see your GP for wax removal.
If you are concerned about your child’s hearing, we offer hearing assessments and middle ear function tests for children five years and older. You can book an appointment online or by calling us on 1300 761 021.
About Ear Wax
Earwax, or cerumen, is produced normally by special glands in the outer part of the ear canal. Its purpose is to protect the ear from damage and ear infection. Cerumen coats the skin of the ear canal to trap dust and other small particles, and acts as a water repellent.
Normally, a small amount of wax accumulates in the ear and is carried out of the ear canal by the natural skin migration.
The skin of the ear canal migrates out from the eardrum to the ear canal opening, carrying with it earwax and any trapped debris such as dead skin cells, dust, and other tiny particles.
Excessive earwax may cause:
- Earache
- A sense of fullness in the ears
- Hearing problems
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Coughing
- Itchiness
Your audiologist is trained to remove earwax using microsuction ear wax removal techniques and curettes (specific ear wax removal tools).
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Step 1: Assessment
- Your audiologist may ask you about your ear history, ear health, general health, and any contraindications to ear wax removal. Before commencing, your audiologist will conduct a thorough inspection of your ear canal using the binocular microscope and assess the situation. They will advise you of the next steps. You will need to keep your head still during the whole ear wax removal procedure.
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Step 2: Ear Wax Removal via Micro-suction
- A small suction tube attached to a suction machine is used to remove the earwax from your ear canal. This works a little bit like a vacuum cleaner. You will need to keep your head still during the whole earwax removal procedure.
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Step 3: Ear Wax Removal Using Other Techniques
- Your audiologist may also use special micro ear wax loops or forceps to gently remove any wax or foreign object in the ear canal that cannot be removed using micro-suction.
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Step 4: If All the Wax Cannot be Removed
- In most cases, wax may be entirely removed during the appointment; however, there are instances where this is not possible, and a subsequent appointment is necessary. Some of the main reasons that wax is not able to be removed during the appointment include:
- Wax has adhered to hair and/or skin within the ear canal
- Wax has been present for some time and has accumulated in layers that are quite deep and hard
- Wax spray/drops were not used for the full 3-4 days prior to the appointment, and the wax is too hard to remove
- Your clinician will advise you about the need for any subsequent appointment.
- In most cases, wax may be entirely removed during the appointment; however, there are instances where this is not possible, and a subsequent appointment is necessary. Some of the main reasons that wax is not able to be removed during the appointment include:
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What is the cost?
- The cost for earwax removal is $135 for both ears. We offer a pensioner/senior card holders 10% discount. There is no Medicare rebate for this service.
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How long does it take?
- This will depend on how deep in the ear canal the wax is located, how much there is, and how hard the wax is. Your appointment is for 30 minutes.Occasionally, a second appointment may be required if the wax is deep in the ear canal, if the wax is hard, or if you didn’t use a wax softener to soften the wax prior to your appointment.
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Is it painful?
- Generally, it is not painful. However, some people may experience some discomfort, especially if the wax is impacted and deep in the ear canal. If it does become uncomfortable, the procedure will be stopped immediately.A subsequent appointment may be recommended in order to remove deep or impacted wax. Your clinician will advise you on what to do next.
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Can children have this procedure?
- Ear wax build up may affect anyone, which is why we also offer this procedure to children, as long as they are over 10 years of age. However, they must be able to keep their head still.
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Where can I get your earwax removal services?
- We offer ear wax removal at our six clinic locations, including Fitzroy, Sunshine, Werribee, Burnside Heights, Thomastown, and Dandenong.
If You Think You May Have Earwax Buildup, Call or Book Your Appointment Now!
To assist the wax removal procedure, our team will instruct you to use wax drops or olive oil drops 2-3 days before your appointment. This may help improve the ability of our team to remove the wax on the day comfortably.
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