Blocked ears are one of the most common reasons people come to see us, and clearing them is usually quick and straightforward. We remove ear wax by microsuction, a gentle, precise method used by ear specialists, at all three of our Northern Rivers clinics in Casino, Woodburn and Alstonville. No referral is needed and you can book directly.
If one ear has gone blocked, muffled, or feels full, the cause is very often a simple build-up of ear wax. It is one of the most common reasons people come to see us, and it is usually quick to fix. We offer professional ear wax removal across our Woodburn, Casino and Alstonville clinics, and you can book directly without a referral.
Get in touch and we will find you a time that suits you to book in at your local clinic.
We remove ear wax using microsuction, a gentle, dry method that uses light suction to lift the wax out of the ear canal. Unlike syringing or irrigation, which flush water into the ear under pressure, microsuction does not introduce any water, which makes it cleaner and lower-risk. It is the method used by ear, nose and throat specialists, and it is suitable for most people, including many who cannot have syringing.
Because we can see directly into the ear canal as we work, microsuction is precise and controlled. For you, that means a procedure that is quick, comfortable, and over without fuss. Most people are surprised by how immediate the relief is once a blockage is cleared.
A wax removal appointment takes about 30 minutes. We start by looking into your ear to confirm that wax is the problem and to check the health of your ear canal and eardrum. We then remove the wax using microsuction, talking you through it as we go. You may hear the suction during the procedure, which can sound loud because it is close to the eardrum, but it is not painful and it does not last long. Afterwards your ear is clear straight away, with no drops to keep using and no waiting for water to drain.
Microsuction is suitable for most people, including those with a perforated eardrum or a history of ear infections, who are often advised against syringing. If you have had ear surgery or have a complex ear condition, let us know when you book so we can take that into account.
Sometimes a blocked or muffled ear is not caused by wax at all. If we look and there is little or no wax there, we will tell you plainly rather than perform a procedure you do not need. We will then talk through what else might be going on, whether that is something a hearing assessment would help clarify or something better seen by your GP, and point you in the right direction.
No. Microsuction is gentle and not painful. You will hear the suction during the procedure, which can sound loud because it is close to the eardrum, but it does not hurt and it does not last long. Most people are surprised by how quick and easy it is.
About 30 minutes. That includes looking into your ear to confirm wax is the problem, removing it by microsuction, and checking the ear afterwards. Your ear is clear straight away, with no drops to keep using and no waiting for water to drain.
No. You can book a wax removal appointment with us directly. If you have private health insurance, your level of cover may affect any rebate, so it is worth checking with your fund, but you do not need a referral from a GP to see us.
Please call us for current pricing. Cost can depend on whether one or both ears need treating, and we are happy to talk it through when you book.
Microsuction is suitable for most people, including many who are advised against syringing, such as those with a perforated eardrum or a history of ear infections. If you have had ear surgery or have a complex ear condition, let us know when you book so we can take it into account.
Cotton buds tend to push wax deeper into the ear canal rather than removing it, which is one of the most common causes of a blockage. A small amount of wax is healthy and usually clears on its own, so the ear is best left alone unless it is causing problems.
Yes. Hearing aid wearers are more prone to wax build-up, because anything sitting in the ear canal can stop wax migrating out the way it normally would. Regular removal keeps both your ears and your hearing aids working well.
You do not need to, but softening drops in the few days before can sometimes help. If you are unsure, give us a call when you book and we will advise based on your situation.
We provide microsuction wax removal at all three clinics: Casino, at Riverside Family Practice on Richmond Street; Woodburn, at the Woodburn Health Clinic on Richmond Street; and Alstonville, on Main Street (access via Daley Street). You can read more about each location, including how to book, on our Casino, Woodburn and Alstonville pages.
