Microsuction Ear Cleaning
The most advanced method of ear cleaning in Melbourne.
As an effective and non-invasive method, microsuction ear wax removal offers a safer alternative to traditional methods. This technique allows for precise removal of ear wax without introducing water, reducing the risk of infections.
Adults: $110
Seniors 65 and over: $100
Students: $95
Children 10-16: $80
Booking is essential. Credit card and contactless payment only at this time.
All prices include GST. If there is no wax present in ears, a consultation fee of $55 apply.
There is no charge if you need to return for a second appointment following softening.
Microsuction appointments at earLAB are not covered by Medicare.
Compared with traditional ear cleaning methods, Melbourne residents will enjoy how easy microsuction can be. Unlike syringing, microsuction is a quick and low-risk wax removal solution. This makes microsuction ear wax removal especially suitable for individuals prone to ear infections.
You generally won’t need to apply drops for days beforehand, and the results are usually immediate.
One of the key advantages of ear suction is that it reduces the risk of infection due to the dry procedure.
There’s no pain, no mess, and your ear stays dry, reducing the risk of infection. Your ear canal is also visible under surgical-quality illumination throughout, which makes the process both safe and precise.
Microsuction is exactly what it sounds like: precise suction of the ear canal while viewing the area through a microscope (or magnifying device).
If you’re searching for an ear cleaning clinic Melbourne, earLAB offers professional and reliable services. This advanced method is increasingly recognised for its safety and effectiveness.
It’s the most advanced method of ear wax extraction, and in the past was only available from a specialist ENT clinician. This is slowly changing, though, as the benefits of microsuction are becoming better known.
If you’re looking for a professional ear microsuction cleaning service in Melbourne, earLAB are the specialists you can trust. All our clinicians are trained in Audiology and can offer a consultation around your hearing in general.
To start, we use an otoscope with an attached camera, allowing you to see inside your own ear canal.
We then examine your ears using specialised magnifying glasses to determine the cause of your discomfort.
If earwax is causing a blockage, a thin tube connected to a microsuction machine is gently inserted into the ear canal.
This tube only touches the wax, avoiding any contact with your ear canal or eardrum.
You may hear a soft whooshing or whistling sound during the suction process, which is completely normal. If you feel any discomfort, simply let us know.
Our Melbourne ear cleaning clinic is committed to ensuring a comfortable experience for every client.
Most people experience immediate relief as their ears become unblocked. In cases where the wax is very hard, we may use additional instruments alongside the microsuction.
On rare occasions, we might recommend olive oil ear drops to soften the wax, followed by a return visit for further removal.
At earLAB, our top priority is your comfort throughout the entire appointment. As a Melbourne-based ear cleaning clinic, our specialists take the time to explain each step of the process and answer any questions, ensuring your peace of mind.
Earwax is a natural and important part of ear health. It acts as a protective barrier against microorganisms, dirt, and other irritants that could harm the ear.
The ear has a self-cleaning mechanism where wax gradually moves from the inner ear to the outer ear, where it can eventually fall out. This process typically takes a couple of months.
The amount of earwax produced varies from person to person; sometimes, excessive wax can accumulate and lead to blockages that require medical treatment.
Some individuals produce more earwax than can be naturally removed, which can occur due to various health conditions.
These conditions include a narrowed ear canal, bone blockages, swimmer's ear or surfer's ear, eczema, and an overproduction of earwax resulting from an injury.
You can find us in two locations across Melbourne.
132 Burnley Street, Richmond 3121
Our Richmond office is conveniently located for easy access by train, tram, or car.
We’re just a 15-minute walk from Burnley Station and close to major tramlines.
Free onsite parking is also available near the clinic.
For those in South Yarra, Hawthorn, Kew, Toorak, Docklands, Cremorne, or Abbotsford, we’re just a short drive away.
If you’re coming from Melbourne’s eastern or southern suburbs, this location offers the most convenient option.
Suite 4B, Level 1, 30 Eleanor St, Footscray VIC 3011
Our Footscray office is ideal if you’re based in Melbourne’s northern or western suburbs.
Located just a 10-15 minute walk from West Footscray Station, it’s also well-served by nearby bus stops and tram lines.
Parking is easy with plenty of ticketed spaces available close to the clinic.
We’re only a short drive from Seddon, Kingsville, Maribyrnong, Maidstone, Braybrook, Kensington, and Flemington.
To begin with, we use an otoscope attached to a camera so you can see inside your own ear canal, and we’ll examine your ears through special magnifying glasses, to assess exactly why you may be experiencing some discomfort.
If ear wax is present and is causing the blockage, then a thin tube attached to the microsuction machine is comfortably placed inside the ear canal, only making contact with the wax and never the client's ear canal or ear drum. You’ll hear a slight whooshing or whistling noise from the suction as it removes the wax – this is normal and if it gets uncomfortable, just let us know. Our ear cleaning clinic in Melbourne ensures a comfortable experience for all clients.
At this point, you’ll usually feel the incredible relief of unblocked ears.
Occasionally, if the wax is very hard, we’ll use other instruments to remove it along with the microsuction.
Very rarely, you may need to use olive oil ear drops to soften the wax, before returning for a follow-up appointment.
Our priority here at earLAB is to ensure our clients feel comfortable throughout their entire appointment.
As an ear cleaning clinic based in Melbourne, our specialists will take the time to explain what everything means as we go along, answering any questions you might have to put your mind at ease.
After a microsuction procedure, keep your ears clean and dry to prevent infection. Avoid swimming or submerging your ears in water for at least 48 hours.
If your Audiologist recommends a follow-up appointment, our staff will assist you in booking it. We offer complimentary follow-ups when necessary, as long as they are scheduled within 2 weeks of your original appointment. PLEASE NOtE: Follow-up appointments are not available on Saturdays. Online booking is not offered for follow-up appointments; please contact our clinic directly to schedule.
The founder of earLAB received specialised training in London through the prestigious Ear Care and Microsuction Training Course, known for producing the best and most experienced ear wax removal specialists. This expert training has been passed down to our entire clinical team, who have all undergone thorough, hands-on training. This ensures that every member of our team is fully equipped with the skills and confidence to deliver the highest standard of ear wax removal services in Melbourne and beyond.
It's crucial to consider that issues like hearing loss could be due to problems in the middle or inner ear rather than just earwax buildup. In such instances, earwax removal might not be the most suitable solution. The Audiologist will engage in a discussion with the patient to explore potential next steps. This may involve referrals for hearing tests, middle ear pressure tests, scans, or balance testing. The specific tests needed will be determined based on the individual patient's history and examination results.
Earwax is a natural lubricant and antibacterial agent produced by glands in the ear canal. It helps clean, lubricate, and protect the ear, trapping dirt and preventing excess water from entering. This is essential for maintaining ear health.
Yes, microsuction does not touch the inner canal, so it won’t affect your balance. Some people may feel unsteady during the procedure but are fine afterward.
Most health insurance plans only cover audiology consultations and hearing aids, not other services like microsuction. This is due to their fund rules. However, St. Lukes Health provides rebates for our services. For more details, please contact your health fund's customer service.
Adults: $110|Seniors (65+): $100| Students: $95| Children (age10-16): $80. Bookings are essential. Payment is by credit card, or contactless only. All prices include GST. PLEASE NOTE: Even if no wax is found, a $55 consultation fee applies for the time and expertise provided. Medicare does not cover microsuction appointments.
Ear candles are more dangerous than they look. They can cause burns to your face, hair, scalp, ear canal and eardrum. You’ll also introduce traces of candle wax into the ear canal, and can risk perforating your eardrum. Ultimately, research has shown that ear candles don’t work – so avoid them.
In short, no. Cotton buds are most likely to simply push the wax further in. Over time, this can create severe build-up of cerumen, damage the soft tissues in your ear canal and even puncture the eardrum. So as the saying goes, never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear!
The Microsuction ear wax removal appointment cost is fixed and covers inspection and ear wax removal from all impacted ears whether one or both ears.
We advice not to use any over-the-counter eardrops e.g. Waxol, Cerumol, Audiclean Ear Wax Remover, Ear Clear ear drops, Clean Ears spray, Aquaear ear drops, Audisol earwax remover etc...Usually microsuction does not need pre-treatment, if you feel your ears are severely blocked you may use some olive oil for up to two days before the appointment to soften any wax build-up this can make the procedure faster and more comfortable.
We DO NOT see children under the age of 10. We recommend that children should be at least 10 years old and up and are able to sit still on the chair for 15 minutes or so with the assistance of a parent. Young children often find microsuction more comfortable than ear irrigation or syringing. The procedure can be noisy when using the suction machine, but we can remove ear wax using other instruments to make the procedure more acceptable if required.
Everyone produces ear wax at a different rate. If you’re prone to build-up, you’ll need microsuction more frequently. In general, it’s good to have a regular check-up every 6 to 12 months for good ear wax management and to prevent any issues. We can place you on our recall list as a reminder to have your ears cleaned every 6, 9 or 12 months.
The length of your treatment will depend on the degree of blockage, so please allow for up to 20 minutes in your schedule. Usually you can expect amazing results within half that time.
Yes. Medical specialists around the world regard aural microsuction as the safest, most effective choice for cleaning ears (also known as ‘dewaxing’). Usually the procedure is very quick, easy and gives you instant relief. At our ear wax removal clinic in Melbourne we have performed this proceedure countless times with great results. Microsuction can be used even if the eardrum has been previously perforated. It is useful in removing excessive discharge caused by ear infection and it can also remove foreign bodies.
Most GPs will treat a blocked ear with an ear syringe, which is a pressurised device that flushes out the ear with water. This isn’t always effective, and can lead to infection or damage to the eardrum. Microsuction, by contrast, is gentle, dry, precise and safe – the gold standard for ear wax removal.