Doctor-led earwax removal, often using microsuction or irrigation, typically takes 15 minutes to 30 minutes, but can be quicker for simple cases or require longer (or a second visit) for significant, hard wax buildup, depending on its depth and hardness. The full appointment includes an inspection, removal, and sometimes testing, with relief often felt immediately after.
The procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour, depending on the buildup and your comfort level. If you have a lot of earwax, the doctor may take longer to remove it. The doctor will clean out your ears with solutions and then use an instrument called an auriscope to look inside your ear canal.
Ear syringing is a very common practice among general practitioners (GPs). It is used by many as the treatment of choice for cerumen (ear wax), and is usually effective and safe.
For most, earwax removal is similar to getting your teeth cleaned. You know it's happening but it doesn't hurt. There are many options for the removal of earwax. Some options are not as effective or safe as others.
Yes, earwax blockages have been known to result in Vertigo. The inner ear houses the vestibular system, the part of our body that's responsible for maintaining balance. Impacted cerumen or earwax buildup in the ears can cause dizziness and vertigo when it accumulates on the eardrum.
These are the most common symptoms of impacted earwax:
GP surgery treatment to remove earwax
Some can: flush the wax out with water (electronic ear irrigation) suck the wax out (microsuction) scrape the wax out using a very small device.
Yes, deep earwax may eventually come out, but too much will mean you will likely need ear drops from a pharmacy to remove the wax at home. And if that doesn't work, then you will need to see a professional for microsuction. Don't suffer any longer than you have to — both solutions are quick and painless.
Professional ear cleaning is needed if your ears have an overproduction of ear wax which has led to earwax impaction, itchiness, pain, or discomfort.
Some people may feel dizzy following the procedure as structures within the ear can affect balance. For this reason, we advise you to consider your travel arrangements prior to the procedure, as you should not drive while dizzy.
Our £60 microsuction earwax removal service is safe, effective, and provided by trained experts. If no wax is found, we perform a full ear health check for just £25. Book online today!
Impacted earwax symptoms may include: A feeling of fullness in your ear. Pain in your ear (earache). Hearing loss, which may worsen over time.
Note: Microsuction ear wax removal is generally not covered by Medicare. However, if you have a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM) stating Audiology from your GP, you may be eligible to receive a partial Medicare rebate.
Yes. When wax creates a blockage, it can cause temporary hearing loss because sound can't travel well through the ear canal. Once the wax is removed, hearing often improves.
Aftercare & Precautions
Dry earwax is not as effective as wet earwax in trapping foreign particles and is more likely to cause blockages in the ear canal.
The irrigation method uses a syringe to gently pump a solution of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% water into the ear. This softens the hardened earwax and flushes it out of your ear canal. Once the cleaning process is complete, you may start to feel slight discomfort and sensitivity in your ears, which is normal.
Symptoms of earwax blockage may include:
Ear wax removal costs typically range from $70 to over $160, depending on the provider (audiologist, specialist), method (microsuction, manual), location, and if you have concessions or health insurance. Audiologists using microsuction often charge around $100-$110, while ENT specialists might cost $150-$300. Some places offer lower fees for pensioners or if no wax is found.
A few days is usually enough time for your body to get rid of any blockage. But the general rule of thumb is that if things persist for more than a week or so, it may be a wise idea to come in for a consultation. That sensation of feeling like your ears are blocked can also be an indication of hearing loss.
Your healthcare professional can remove excess wax in the ear with a small, curved tool called a curet or with suction techniques. Another method flushes out the wax with a syringe full of warm water and saline or diluted hydrogen peroxide.
Build-up of earwax can block the ear canal (impaction) giving a temporary hearing loss and discomfort and can contribute to outer ear infections (otitis externa). Hearing loss due to impacted wax can be frustrating and stressful and, if untreated, can contribute to social isolation and depression.
Microsuction is the process of removing wax from your ears by using a small suction tube and probe to gently remove any excess wax in the ear. Microsuction is Specsavers' preferred method of wax removal. All of our audiology professionals undertake microsuction training through accredited training providers.
Inflammation and Irritation
Microsuction can sometimes cause minor irritation or inflammation in the ear canal. This can result in a feeling of blockage or discomfort that may take some time to resolve.