RECOMMENDED APPOINTMENT
Our nurses use a Projet 101 ear irrigator to help remove suitable earwax blockages. Fee: $40. No referral or medical request is needed.
Earwax usually protects and cleans the ear canal. Sometimes it builds up, causing a blocked sensation, muffled hearing or discomfort. Irrigation may help remove wax when an ear examination confirms that it is appropriate.
Not every blocked or painful ear is caused by wax. If you are unsure of the cause, arrange a GP consultation before booking irrigation.
Ask your pharmacist or clinician whether earwax-softening drops are suitable. Follow the product instructions and do not put objects into the ear.
Tell the nurse about eardrum perforations, grommets, ear surgery, infections, previous irrigation problems, pain, discharge or dizziness.
The nurse assesses suitability and gently irrigates the ear with the Projet 101 system, stopping if it becomes uncomfortable.
Ear irrigation may be unsafe in certain situations, including suspected perforated eardrum, grommets, some previous ear operations, active ear infection or unexplained ear pain. The nurse may recommend GP review or another method of wax removal instead.
Sudden hearing loss is urgent: seek prompt medical assessment rather than attempting routine wax removal. Severe dizziness, fever, swelling or discharge also warrant medical attention.
Some people notice temporary fullness, sensitivity or mild dizziness following irrigation. Keep the ear dry if instructed and avoid cotton buds or inserting objects into the canal.
Seek medical advice for persistent or worsening pain, discharge, bleeding, significant dizziness or changes in hearing.
Occasionally the wax is too firm or the ear cannot safely be irrigated. Your clinician may recommend further softening, a GP examination or another removal method.
No. You can book directly with our nursing team for an ear syringing appointment.
The ear irrigation service costs $40. Please ask reception if other consultation or assessment fees could apply.
Our nursing team performs irrigation using the Projet 101 ear irrigator, after checking whether the procedure is suitable.
Softening drops may improve removal. Ask a pharmacist or clinician which product is suitable and follow its instructions. Do not use drops if you suspect a perforated eardrum unless a clinician advises you to.
You may feel water movement or pressure. Tell the nurse immediately if you experience pain, dizziness or discomfort.
Irrigation is often unsuitable if you have a perforated eardrum, grommets, certain previous ear surgeries, an active infection or other ear problems. Tell the nurse your history before treatment.
Not all wax can be removed safely in one visit. You may be advised to continue softening treatment, see a GP or seek specialist removal.
Possible complications include temporary dizziness, pain, ear canal irritation, infection, bleeding and, rarely, eardrum injury or hearing changes.
Avoid inserting cotton buds or other objects into your ear canal; they can push wax deeper or cause injury.
Book a GP assessment rather than assuming your ear is blocked by wax. Sudden hearing loss, severe pain, discharge or significant dizziness need prompt medical evaluation.
Book a nurse appointment for ear syringing. The service costs $40 and no referral is required. If you are unsure why your ear feels blocked, arrange a GP assessment instead.
