Ear Wax Removal Brisbane (Microsuction)

Price: $99 for all

• $79 for pensioners & Workcover

• $49 appointment fee if no wax is found

• $175 for Home and Aged Care Visit

 

Ear wax protects the skin in the ear canal and helps keep the ear clean and lubricated. However, some people produce excessive wax, which can cause blockages and temporary hearing problems. When this happens, it is necessary to perform removal of ear wax. Left untreated, a wax blockage can cause muffled hearing, ear ache, tinnitus, dizziness, and hearing test results that look like hearing loss when the real problem is simply a blocked ear canal.

 

At Brighter Ears, we use a method called microsuction for removal of excess ear wax. This procedure is safe and effective, and our Audiologists are trained to perform it after completing accredited training and practical placements. Microsuction uses gentle, low-pressure suction and a fine probe under magnification to remove wax without introducing any water into the ear canal.

 

We perform several microsuctions every week for patients across our clinics and aged care facilities throughout Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan and surrounding suburbs. One of the most common misconceptions we see is that ear syringing is always the safest option. In reality, many patients with previous ear infections, perforations, hearing aids, or narrow ear canals are better suited to microsuction.

 

Signs you may need ear wax removal:

• Muffled or reduced hearing

• A feeling of fullness or blockage in one or both ears

• Ear ache or itchiness

• Tinnitus that worsens with wax build-up

• Dizziness or balance issues

• Hearing aids that whistle or feel uncomfortable to insert

 

How much does ear wax removal cost in Brisbane?

Microsuction at Brighter Ears costs $99 for standard appointments, or $79 for pensioners and Workcover card holders. If no wax is found during your appointment, a $49 assessment fee applies. Home and aged care visits are $175. No GP referral is required for any of these appointments.

 

Microsuction vs syringing vs ear drops: which is safest?

Not all ear wax removal methods are equal. Here is how the three most common approaches compare:

• Microsuction: a dry procedure using gentle suction under magnification. No water enters the ear, making it safe for patients with a perforated eardrum, grommets, hearing aids, or a history of ear infections. Most patients feel immediate relief with no soaking or softening time required.

• Ear syringing (irrigation): uses a pressurised jet of water to flush wax out of the canal. It carries a higher risk of eardrum perforation, infection, and vertigo, and is unsuitable for patients with a history of ear infections or a perforated eardrum.

• Ear drops: over-the-counter oil or saline-based drops soften wax over several days but rarely clear a full blockage on their own. Drops are a reasonable first step for mild wax build-up but are not a substitute for professional removal once wax is impacted.

 

Microsuction has several advantages:

1. It is a dry procedure, unlike water syringing.

2. It can remove debris from ear infections and foreign bodies.

3. The procedure is safe, quick, and does not expose the ear to moisture.

4. In case of stubborn wax, softening may be needed, and a follow-up visit is provided. Overall, microsuction is a quick, effective, and comfortable method for removing excess ear wax.

 

Here's what happens during the microsuction procedure:

1. Your ear canal and eardrum will be examined by the audiologist using a speculum.

2. If excess earwax is found, the procedure will be explained to you.

3. A small catheter attached to suction tubing will be gently inserted into your ear canal.

4. The excess wax will be removed using a suction technique.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Does ear wax removal hurt?

No. Microsuction is generally painless. You may hear a vacuum-like sound and feel mild pressure, but the procedure is well tolerated by adults and children from age 5 and over.

 

Do I need a GP referral for ear wax removal?

No GP referral is required for microsuction or a standard hearing test at Brighter Ears. You can book directly online or by calling 1300 105 038.

 

How long does microsuction take?

Most appointments take 20 to 30 minutes, including an examination of the ear canal before and after wax removal.

 

Is microsuction safe for people with hearing aids?

Yes. Microsuction is the preferred method for hearing aid users because, unlike syringing, it does not introduce moisture into the ear canal, which can damage hearing aid components.

 

What if no wax is found during my appointment?

A $40 assessment fee applies if the audiologist examines your ears and determines that microsuction is not required.

 

Can I use ear drops before my appointment?

Softening drops can help with very hard or impacted wax. Ask our team for advice when booking, as some patients do not need drops before microsuction.

 

Is ear wax removal at a reduced rate for pensioners?

Yes. Pensioners and Workcover card holders pay a reduced rate of $79 for microsuction at any of our nine Brisbane clinics.

 

Do you offer home and aged care visits?

Yes. Brighter Ears provides microsuction at home and in aged care facilities for $175, for patients who are unable to travel to one of our clinics.

 

Brighter Ears offers professional microsuction ear wax removal at seven independent audiology clinics across Brisbane, Queensland, including Jindalee, Sumner, Booval, Inala, Ipswich, Redbank Plains, Rocklea, Underwood and Yeronga. The procedure costs $95 (standard) or $66 for concession card holders and takes approximately 20-30 minutes with no GP referral required. All microsuction is performed by audiologists accredited by Audiology Australia. Brighter Ears is independently owned by audiologists Vi Bui (Master of Audiology, University of Queensland) and Tausif Junaid (M.Sc, AudA CCP).

 

Please call on 1300 105 038 or click below to book appointment.