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How much ear wax softener should I use prior to my microsuction appointment?

Writer's picture: Kat PennoKat Penno

The short answer is, none.


Perth Audiologist Gentle Ear Wax Removal
Perth Audiologist Gentle Ear Wax Removal

Do you need to use ear wax softener prior to coming in for a microsuction appointment? No. Our preference is to perform otoscopy of your ear canals (looking into your ear canals) and see what type of ear wax you have, and how the ear wax is positioned in your ear canals. If we need to administer a treatment, we can do so on the day.

The problem with waxsol or cerumol is they make a mess for you and more often than not, it blocks up your ear canal, not always allowing the ear wax to migrate out. Sometimes the ear drops cause a complete sensation of blocked ears and loss of hearing, most times it causes a mess. I would caution, if you are overseas and can not make it in to see an audiologist to safely clean your ears, than you could use these oily drops as a stop gap measure.


What if my ear wax is dry, hard and impacted against my ear drum?

During your microsuction appointment, we will be able to judge how best to clear your ears. This includes ear wax that is impacted right up against your ear drum. As stated earlier, if we need to treat your ears in any way, we can do so on the day.


Will you use water during your appointment?

No water is used in your ear canal to flush out any ear wax or foreign debris. Using an irrigation method is an out-dated and generally, not seen as a safe practice for ear wax removal any more. Water should not be used to remove ear wax or foreign objects from the ear canal as the irrigation method relies on the water being strongly flushed to hit the ear drum and flush out your ear wax. The assumption is there is no infection in the ear canal, no holes in your ear drum and you won't have a vertigo or dizziness attacked due to the temperature of the water being used to flush your ears.


Ear wax removal technology and skills have progressed from irrigation, with audiologists being best placed to perform such procedures using microsuction or dry curette techniques. Why?

Audiologists are masters qualified professionals. We spend two years, full time at a masters level learning about the nuances and detailed physiology and anatomy of your auditory and vestibular (ear and balance) system. We understand the complexities of un-safe ear wax removal and the consequences of damage to the outer, middle and inner ear systems, and will only proceed if deemed safe.


Are there medicare rebates for microsuction with an audiologist?

No, not yet. No medicare rebates are attached to microsuction by an audiologist. Some private health rebates may cover audiology consults. You will need to check with your private health insurer if you have this coverage.


Make a booking with us today for your microsuction appointment: book online.

Having your ears cleaned can be a highly satisfying experience. Please inform your audiologist if you do not wish to see your ear wax removed. Your audiologist can get carried away with removing your ear wax and excitedly show your ear wax plug!


Happy hearing!



Make a booking with us today for your microsuction appointment: book online.




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