Suction Ears Audiology services include more than just ear wax removal. While microsuction is certainly at the heart of what we do, we also provide a range of practical ear-care and hearing-protection services.
From professional microsuction and home visits to custom-made earplugs, ear impressions and in-ear monitors, we provide services for both adults and children.
Here’s a closer look at what we currently offer at Suction Ears Audiology.
Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
Microsuction ear wax removal is our core service and an area in which we have extensive experience.
Unlike ear irrigation, which uses water to flush the ear canal, microsuction is a dry method of ear wax removal. Our audiologists use magnified visualisation to examine the ear canal while carefully removing wax using gentle suction.
Before beginning, we assess the amount, consistency and location of the wax and determine whether it is appropriate to proceed.
People may seek microsuction ear wax removal for many reasons, including a blocked or full sensation, muffled hearing, recurrent wax build-up, hearing-aid difficulties or wax that has been identified by another healthcare professional.
Sometimes wax can be particularly dry, hard, deep or difficult to access. In these situations, we prioritise safety and comfort rather than forcing removal. Further softening and a follow-up appointment may occasionally be recommended.
Home Visit Ear Wax Removal
We understand that getting to a clinic isn’t always easy.
For clients who have mobility difficulties, live in residential care or find it difficult to attend one of our clinic locations, home visit ear wax removal appointments are available in selected areas of Melbourne.
Our audiologist brings portable microsuction and examination equipment so that ear wax removal can be performed in the comfort of the client’s home or residence, where clinically appropriate.
Home visits can be particularly helpful for older adults, people with reduced mobility and clients who rely on family members or carers for transport.
Ear Wax Removal for Children
Children can experience troublesome ear wax build-up too.
We provide ear wax removal for children where clinically appropriate, with particular attention given to making the experience as calm and comfortable as possible.
We explain what we’re doing in an age-appropriate way and allow children time to become familiar with the procedure.
Because microsuction involves working within the ear canal, it is important that a child can remain sufficiently still. If they become uncomfortable or are unable to remain still enough for the procedure to be performed safely, we won’t force removal.
Tympanometry
Sometimes a blocked or pressured sensation isn’t caused by ear wax.
Tympanometry is a quick, objective test that provides information about middle-ear function and the movement of the tympanic membrane (eardrum).
It can be useful when someone reports symptoms such as pressure, fullness or a persistent blocked sensation, particularly when there is little or no wax present.
Where appropriate, the findings may help determine whether further assessment by a GP, audiologist or Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist should be considered.
Acoustic Reflex Testing
Alongside tympanometry, Suction Ears Audiology can also perform acoustic reflex testing where clinically appropriate.
The acoustic reflex is an involuntary response of the muscles within the middle ear to sound. During the test, a small probe is placed gently into the ear canal and different sounds are presented while the equipment measures whether an acoustic reflex response is present.
Acoustic reflex testing can provide additional information about how the middle ear and auditory pathway are functioning and may be useful when investigating certain ear or hearing-related concerns.
The test is quick and does not require you to actively respond to the sounds. Depending on your symptoms and results, findings from tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing may help determine whether further assessment by an audiologist, GP or Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist is appropriate.
Custom-Made Earplugs and Hearing Protection
Everyone’s ears are different, and sometimes standard off-the-shelf earplugs simply don’t provide the fit or comfort you’re looking for.
At Suction Ears Audiology, we can take individual ear impressions for custom-made earplugs and hearing protection.
Depending on your needs, custom options may be suitable for activities such as:
- Sleeping
- Swimming
- Work and occupational noise
- Motorsport and recreational activities
- Music and live entertainment
- General noise protection
We work with specialist manufacturers, including GN and Pacific Ears, to provide custom options for different hearing-protection needs.
Ear Impressions and In-Ear Monitors
We also provide professional ear impressions for custom in-ear products, including in-ear monitors.
Custom in-ear monitors can be popular with musicians, performers and others looking for a secure and individually fitted in-ear solution.
Before taking an impression, we first examine the ear canal to ensure it is appropriate and safe to proceed.
If significant ear wax is present, it may need to be removed before the impression can be taken. Having a clear ear canal also helps us obtain an accurate impression for your custom product.
Ongoing Ear Care for Hearing-Aid Wearers
Ear wax can be particularly troublesome for people who wear hearing aids.
Hearing aids can sometimes contribute to wax becoming trapped within the ear canal, while accumulated wax may interfere with hearing-aid performance, block filters or receivers, or contribute to feedback.
For clients who regularly experience wax build-up, we can provide ongoing aural care and monitoring.
If you’re preparing to have new hearing aids fitted or your existing devices adjusted, your hearing-aid provider may also recommend having significant wax removed beforehand.
Personalised Aural Care and Regular Reviews
There isn’t one ear-cleaning schedule that suits everybody.
Some people naturally accumulate wax quickly and may benefit from having their ears reviewed every few months. This can be particularly helpful for people with narrow or bendy ear canals, recurrent wax impaction or hearing aids.
Others may go considerably longer before enough wax accumulates to require removal.
Following your appointment, we can recommend an appropriate review period based on your individual ear anatomy, wax build-up, hearing-aid use and previous history.
The aim isn’t to remove wax unnecessarily — it’s to help manage your ears before troublesome impaction develops.
Ear Wax Softening Products and Advice
As part of our Suction Ears Audiology services, we can also provide advice about preparing your ears before microsuction and managing recurrent wax build-up.
Where appropriate, we commonly recommend Biorevive Clean Ears spray to help soften wax before an appointment. Olive oil may also be suitable for some clients.
However, not everyone should use ear products without advice, particularly people with a known or suspected eardrum perforation, active ear infection, ear discharge or certain previous ear surgeries.
If you’re unsure, contact us before putting anything into your ears.
More Than Just Ear Wax Removal
While microsuction remains at the heart of Suction Ears Audiology, we’re also here to assist with a broader range of ear-care and hearing-protection services.
Whether you’re looking for microsuction ear wax removal, a home visit, tympanometry, custom-made earplugs, professional hearing protection, ear impressions or in-ear monitors, our aim is to provide professional, personalised care in a friendly and comfortable environment.
Not sure which appointment you need?
Contact Suction Ears Audiology and let us know what you’re looking for. We can help determine which of our current Suction Ears Audiology services is most appropriate for you.
Information provided in this article is general in nature. The appropriate service or treatment will depend on your individual circumstances and clinical needs.
Related Articles
- Custom In-Ear Monitors in Australia: Benefits, Sound Quality & Hearing Protection
- How to Prepare for Ear Wax Removal: What to Do Before Your Appointment
- Which Ear Wax Removal Method Is Right for You? Microsuction vs. Ear Irrigation
