Earwax Removal in Brisbane
Microsuction ear wax removal is a procedure where an audiologist uses a thin suction tube to remove ear wax from the ear canal. The procedure does not use water.
Read how it compares with ear syringing, or find ear wax removal near you.
What is ear wax and why does it build up?
Ear wax (cerumen) is a natural substance made by glands in the outer part of your ear canal. It helps trap dust and debris, and the ear moves it slowly outwards by itself. Wax collects instead in narrow or curved ear canals, in people who wear hearing aids or earplugs, and where the ear makes extra wax.
What does microsuction ear wax removal involve?
Microsuction uses a fine suction tube to lift wax out of the ear canal while your audiologist looks inside your ear with a magnifying headlight or microscope. No water is used. The steps are:
- A short chatYou have a short chat about your ears, your hearing and any past ear problems.
- A look insideYour audiologist looks into each ear canal and eardrum to see whether wax is present and whether removal is suitable for you.
- Wax removalIf it is, the suction tube is placed at the wax and the wax is drawn out, one ear at a time.
- A final checkYour audiologist checks the ear canal again and explains what they found.
Suction makes a noise close to the ear that can sound loud or unusual. Tell your audiologist at any point if you want to pause.
Who should see a GP instead?
Ear problems that involve pain, discharge or infection need a doctor rather than ear wax removal. See your GP first if you have ear pain, fluid or discharge from the ear, a history of a perforated (burst) eardrum, recent ear surgery or an ear infection. If you notice sudden hearing loss, see your GP or an emergency department the same day. Your audiologist refers you to your GP if they see something during the appointment that needs medical attention.
What should you expect at the appointment?
Allow time for the chat, the examination and the removal itself. Wax can vary from soft to hard, and it is not always suitable or practical to remove it all in one visit; your audiologist will explain what they can do and what to do next. Removing wax can make it easier to see the ear canal and eardrum, and it can allow a more accurate hearing test if wax has been in the way. Individual results vary, and a blocked ear does not always mean wax is the cause. Tell your audiologist about any health conditions and whether you take blood-thinning medication, so they can take that into account.
How does microsuction compare with ear syringing?
Ear syringing flushes the ear with water, while microsuction removes wax with suction and no water. Which approach suits a person depends on their ears and medical history, so the page on microsuction vs ear syringing explains the differences in more detail.
How do you book ear wax removal at Rochedale South or Shailer Park?
Call the Rochedale South clinic on 07 3841 3764 or the Shailer Park clinic on 0478 282 561, or use the booking button on this page. The audiologist talks you through what to expect when you book. If you are not sure whether wax is the problem, a hearing test is a good first step. The page on ear wax removal near you lists the areas covered.
Frequently asked questions
What is microsuction ear wax removal?
Microsuction is when an audiologist uses a fine suction tube to remove wax from your ear canal. No water is used. Your audiologist looks inside your ear with a magnifying headlight or microscope while they work, one ear at a time.
Is microsuction painful?
The suction makes a noise close to the ear that can sound loud or unusual, so your audiologist will explain what to expect first. You can tell your audiologist at any point if you want to pause. If you feel anxious, let them know beforehand.
Should I try removing the wax myself first?
No. Ear wax should be checked and removed by a qualified professional, so please avoid trying to remove it yourself. Putting things in the ear can cause problems. If your ears feel blocked, book an appointment and your audiologist will look inside and explain what they find.
When should I see my GP instead of booking ear wax removal?
See your GP first if you have ear pain, fluid or discharge from the ear, an ear infection, recent ear surgery, or a history of a burst eardrum. If you notice sudden hearing loss, see your GP or an emergency department the same day.
What happens at a microsuction appointment?
You have a short chat about your ears and hearing, then your audiologist looks into each ear canal and eardrum to see if removal is suitable. If it is, the wax is drawn out, followed by a final check and an explanation of what they found.
Will all the wax be removed in one visit?
Not always. Wax varies from soft to hard, and it is not always suitable or practical to remove it all at once. Your audiologist explains what they can do and what to do next. Results vary from person to person.
Why do I get so much ear wax?
Ear wax is natural and normally moves slowly out of the ear by itself. It can collect in narrow or curved ear canals, in people who wear hearing aids or earplugs, and where the ear makes extra wax. Your audiologist can explain what applies to you.
How do I book at Rochedale South or Shailer Park?
Call Rochedale South on 07 3841 3764 or Shailer Park on 0478 282 561, or use the booking button on the page. Mention any health conditions or medicines you take, so your audiologist can take that into account.