FAQs
What causes ear wax build up and why should I have it removed?
Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a waxy oil produced by your ear canal. It cleans the ear and serves as a natural defense against dust, foreign particles, and microorganisms while preventing irritation from water. Excess wax usually exits the ear canal naturally, however, buildup can occur if the ear's natural self-cleaning process is disrupted. This is more likely to occur in patients who have narrow or abnormally shaped ear canals, as well as patients who use foreign objects in the ear, such as hearing aids, earplugs, ear buds and cotton swabs.
This buildup might lead to symptoms like earache, hearing impairment, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear), or a feeling of fullness. Excessive ear wax also contributes to poor balance, dizziness, social isolation and depression. Removing excessive ear wax can help alleviate these discomforts and maintain optimal ear health.
How do I prepare for my appointment?
Read through our Preparing for Your Appointment page for more instructions.
What happens during my appointment?
During your appointment, a doctor will begin by discussing any previous ear conditions and current symptoms with you. They will then examine your ears through a microscope to assess for any blockages. If earwax is causing a blockage, a thin tube attached to the microsuction machine is comfortably inserted into the ear canal. You may hear a slight whooshing or whistling noise as the suction removes the wax. If the wax is particularly hard, we may use additional instruments alongside microsuction for removal. The procedure is conducted under direct view through a microscope, ensuring precise and thorough cleaning of the ear canal.
How long will my microsuction appointment take?
The duration of your ear wax removal appointment depends on the degree of blockage. At Melbourne Microsuction, we allocate 45 minutes for your appointment, which includes a consultation with a doctor and microsuction of one or both ears, as required.
Are there any side effects?
Microsuction is exceptionally safe and well tolerated. Side effects related to microsuction are rare, and often mild and temporary. These may include dizziness, discomfort due to the loudness of the procedure and reduced hearing.
How much does it cost?
You can view our fees here.
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral to attend Melbourne Microsuction clinic.
Is microsuctioning available for children?
At Melbourne Microsuction we offer microsuctioning services for anyone over the age of 14.
Is the cost the same if I need both ears microsuctioned?
The fee for your appointment is the same whether one or both ears need microsuctioning.
How often will I need to have my ears microsuctioned?
Everyone produces ear wax at a different rate. It's good to have a check up every 6-12 months, however some people are more prone to build-up and may require microsuction more frequently. Always see your Dr for assessment if experiencing any discomfort.
What if I need a follow up appointment?
If a follow up appointment is required with one of our doctors it will be discussed with you. If your regular doctor works at another clinic we will provide a report for them to review.
Can I use my private health insurance to pay for the microsuctioning?
No, private health insurance doesn't cover for microsuction appointments.
As our clinic is run by doctors, there is a medicare rebate.
What if the ear microsuctioning doesn't work or isn't suitable?
Sometimes issues such as hearing loss can be due to problems in the middle or inner near rather than earwax buildup. In this case, removing the earwax may not relieve your symptoms. Our nurses work closely with our team of GPs and discussion will be had regarding potential next steps and further assessment or treatment as required.
Can I resume normal activities (e.g. driving, swimming) following the procedure?
Yes. There are no limitations to what you can do following the procedure.
Should I use ear candles or cotton buds to clean my ears?
Research shows that ear candles don't work, and there's a risk of burns to your face, scalp, hair, ear canal and eardrum - better to avoid them.
Similarly, cotton buds are most likely to push wax further into the ear causing worsening of build up. They can also damage the soft tissues in the ear canal and puncture the ear drum.