Ear Wax Removal

Blocked ears, muffled hearing, or persistent wax build-up? DWM Audiology offers professional ear wax removal at our Heidelberg clinic, serving Melbourne’s northeast. Using microsuction and curettage techniques tailored to your needs, our audiologists can assess and treat most cases in a single appointment – no GP referral required.

Signs You May Need Ear Wax Removal

If one ear suddenly feels blocked or your hearing seems muffled, earwax may well be the cause. Built-up earwax is one of the most common and most treatable causes of diminished hearing acuity.

Common signs include:

A blocked or full feeling in one or both ears
Muffled or reduced hearing
Earache or dull discomfort
Ringing or tinnitus that has worsened – blocked ears can aggravate existing tinnitus symptoms
Difficulty with hearing aids – wax in ears affects fit and performance
Itching or irritation inside the ear canal

A brief assessment can quickly determine whether wax is the issue. What is Microsuction Ear Cleaning?

Microsuction ear cleaning uses gentle suction to remove wax from the ear canal – no water, no mess, and no flushing. Unlike traditional ear syringing, which uses pressurised water and has largely been phased out by GPs across Victoria, microsuction allows your audiologist to work with precision using magnification and a fine suction probe.

At DWM, we also use curettage – a small loop instrument – when the type or location of the wax makes it a better fit than ear microsuction. The technique is always selected based on what we find during your assessment, not a default approach.

Both methods are performed by our qualified audiologists, and most patients find ear wax removal straightforward and well-tolerated.

Why See an Audiologist for Ear Wax Removal?

GPs across Victoria have largely stopped offering ear wax removal as part of routine care. For many patients in Ivanhoe, Rosanna, Bundoora, and across Melbourne’s northeast, that means nowhere obvious to turn – and a growing temptation to try at-home kits that can push wax deeper or irritate the canal.

DWM Audiology is a dedicated ear cleaning Melbourne clinic where professional ear wax removal is carried out by audiologists with the clinical training to do it safely. We assess each patient before any procedure begins, and we use equipment designed specifically for this work.

If your wax is deeply embedded and we assess that removal in-clinic is not appropriate, you’ll be referred to a specialist – at no charge for your appointment. That’s the advantage of seeing a specialist ear wax removal clinic, rather than managing it at home.

What to Expect at Your Ear Wax Removal Appointment

Before

We recommend softening drops for two nights before your visit. It’s not mandatory, but softer wax makes removal easier and more comfortable. If you’re unsure which drops to use or how to soften ear wax effectively, ask when you book.

During

Your audiologist will examine your ear canal with an otoscope before starting. From there, microsuction ear wax removal or curettage is used for ear wax extraction – selected on the day based on what your ear needs. Most appointments take around 20 – 30 minutes. You may hear the sound of the suction, but the procedure is typically gentle and well-tolerated.

After

Most patients notice an improvement straight away. Any mild sensitivity usually settles within a day or two, and you’re fine to continue your normal routine immediately after the appointment.

Ear Wax Removal Cost & Availability in Melbourne

Ear wax removal price: $140 per appointment. Reduced fees are available for pension card and DVA card holders. No Medicare rebate is available – earwax removal Melbourne-wide is not bulk billed, and we believe in being upfront about that.

No referral is needed. Book directly online with Deanna Tan, Courtney Tatnell, or Kate Moore.

We are trained and highly experienced in the safe use of microsuction and curette techniques, tailored to the type and location of wax buildup. If wax is deeply embedded and close to the eardrum, and we assess that removal in-clinic is not safe or suitable, you will be referred to a specialist wax removal clinic. In these cases, there is no charge for your appointment.

Book Your Ear Wax Removal Appointment in Heidelberg

DWM Audiology is located at 74 Mount Street, Heidelberg – 11km northeast of Melbourne’s CBD, and a short drive from Ivanhoe, Rosanna, Bundoora, and Greensborough. We’re an independent, audiologist-led clinic offering ear cleaning Melbourne patients can book directly, without a referral. Open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.

FAQs

Is ear wax removal bulk billed or covered by Medicare?

No. Ear wax removal is not covered by Medicare and is not bulk billed. The fee at DWM is $140, with reduced rates for pension and DVA card holders. Call us on (03) 9457 6588 to confirm before booking.

Do I need a GP referral to book?

No referral required. You can book directly online – there’s no need to see your GP first. Book your appointment here.

How much does ear wax removal cost at DWM?

$140 per appointment. Concession card holders receive a reduced fee. If removal is assessed as unsafe in-clinic, there is no charge and you’ll be referred to a specialist clinic.

Is microsuction safe?

Yes. Microsuction is widely regarded as one of the safest and most precise methods of ear wax removal when performed by trained clinicians. At DWM, every appointment includes an assessment before any procedure begins, and we won’t attempt removal if it isn’t appropriate.

What's the difference between microsuction and syringing?

Syringing uses water flushed into the ear canal. Microsuction uses gentle suction with no water – it’s more precise and considered safer for most patients. Most GPs in Victoria no longer offer syringing ear as a routine service, which is why specialist clinics like DWM exist.

How often should I have my ears cleaned?

It varies. Many people benefit from annual ear wax cleaning; hearing aid wearers may need it more regularly. Our audiologists can advise on a schedule after your first visit.

Can ear wax cause tinnitus or muffled hearing?

Yes. Built-up earwax pressing on the eardrum is a common cause of temporary tinnitus and muffled hearing. Removal often resolves both. If ringing persists after your appointment, visit our Tinnitus page to learn about further assessment options.