All Medicare-eligible consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. Some items, including privately purchased vaccines and consumables, attract a fee.
Ear syringing works far better when the wax has been softened for a few days beforehand. Skipping that step is the single most common reason it does not work.
When syringing is not the answerSudden hearing loss in one ear, severe ear pain, discharge or bleeding from the ear, or dizziness with hearing loss all need assessment rather than syringing. Sudden hearing loss in one ear is urgent — it needs to be seen the same day, because some causes are treatable only if caught quickly.
Ear wax is normal and usually clears itself. It becomes a problem when it blocks the canal, causing muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness, sometimes ringing or mild dizziness. Syringing flushes it out with warm water at controlled pressure.
The ear is always examined first, because not every blocked ear is wax and syringing is not safe in every ear. A perforated eardrum, a current infection, grommets, previous ear surgery or an ear with only usable hearing on that side all mean a different approach.
Softened wax comes out easily; hard wax often will not budge. Use a softening preparation for three to five nights beforehand — reception will tell you what to buy.
Does it hurt?
It should not. It feels odd and the water is a little noisy. Tell the nurse immediately if it hurts.
What if it does not clear?
Sometimes a second attempt after more softening works. Occasionally referral for microsuction is needed, which is gentler and more effective for stubborn wax.
Before you come
Soften for 3–5 nights
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Before you comeSoften for 3–5 nights
Drops or olive oil. This is the step that makes it work.
Before you come
Warm the drops slightly
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Before you comeWarm the drops slightly
Cold drops in the ear can cause brief dizziness.
Not suitable
A perforated eardrum
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Not suitableA perforated eardrum
Or a history of one. Syringing can cause harm.
Not suitable
A current ear infection
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Not suitableA current ear infection
This needs treating first.
Not suitable
Grommets or previous surgery
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Not suitableGrommets or previous surgery
A different method is used.
Never do this
Cotton buds
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Never do thisCotton buds
They push wax deeper and can damage the canal. Candling does not work either.
Soften it first, and this takes minutes.Three to five nights of drops before you come is the step that makes it work.
Examined,then cleared.
The nurse looks in both ears first, then syringes if it is safe and appropriate.
Usually yes, and often noticeably so. The ear can feel slightly odd for an hour or two.
Can I stop wax building up?
Some people simply produce more. Regular softening drops help; cotton buds make it worse.
1Soften firstThree to five nights of drops before the appointment.Before the day
2ExaminationBoth ears looked at with an otoscope to check syringing is safe.First
3SyringingWarm water at controlled pressure. It should not hurt.15–20 minutes
4CheckEars re-examined afterwards. A second attempt is arranged if needed.Same visit
Ear wax removal
Softening drops first
Practice nurse appointments
Hearing checks
Ear examination first
Bulk billed
Book ahead
Both ears if needed
Ear wax removal
Softening drops first
Practice nurse appointments
Hearing checks
Ear examination first
Bulk billed
Book ahead
Both ears if needed
Ear wax removal
Softening drops first
Practice nurse appointments
Hearing checks
Ear examination first
Bulk billed
Book ahead
Both ears if needed
Ear syringingquestions, answered.
Do I need drops beforehand?
Yes — three to five nights. It is the most common reason syringing fails.
Does it hurt?
It should not. Tell the nurse straight away if it does.
Is it bulk billed?
Standard consultations are bulk billed with a valid Medicare card.
Can I have it done if I have a perforated eardrum?
No. Tell us, and a different approach will be used.
Why should I not use cotton buds?
They push wax deeper and can damage the canal or eardrum.
What if the wax will not come out?
More softening and a second attempt, or referral for microsuction.
Will my hearing come straight back?
Usually, and often immediately.
I have sudden hearing loss in one ear.
That is urgent. Ring for a same-day appointment rather than booking syringing.
General information onlyThis page is general health information for anyone who finds it useful. It is not advice about your own situation and it does not replace a consultation with a doctor who knows you. If you are worried about a symptom, book an appointment or call (02) 6530 7404. In an emergency, call 000.
Standard GP consultations are bulk billed for everyone with a valid Medicare card.