SPMH Ear Syringing Service

At SPMH, we understand that ear care is an essential part of your overall health. Our ear syringing service is designed to help remove excess ear wax safely and effectively, relieving discomfort and restoring your hearing clarity.

Ear Syringing: What Is Ear Wax?

Ear wax, medically known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by specialized cells lining your ear canal. It plays a vital role in maintaining ear health by:

  • Protecting the Ear: Wax traps dirt, dead skin cells, and micro-organisms that could potentially cause infections.
  • Natural Cleaning: As it slowly moves outwards, it carries unwanted particles away from the ear, keeping the canal clean.

Additionally, ear drops can be used to soften ear wax, aiding in its natural removal.

When Does Ear Wax in the Ear Canal Become a Problem?

While ear wax is beneficial, sometimes it can build up and lead to a blockage. This can happen due to various reasons:

  • Excess Production: Some individuals naturally produce more wax.
  • Narrow or Hairy Ear Canals: The shape or structure of the ear canal can trap more wax.
  • Overzealous Cleaning: Using cotton buds or even fingertips can push wax further into the ear.
  • Skin Conditions & Environmental Factors: Certain skin conditions or working in dusty environments can also contribute to build-up.

When ear wax accumulates excessively, you might experience:

  • Earache or Discomfort
  • Reduced Hearing
  • Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ear)
  • A Sensation of Fullness or Blockage
  • Ear Pain

Earwax build up can lead to these issues and should be managed properly.

Preventing and Managing Ear Wax Build Up

There are several simple steps you can take to help prevent ear wax build-up:

  • Regular Softening: Placing a few drops of olive oil in each ear once a week can soften the wax and promote its natural movement out of the ear. Effective ear wax management is crucial in preventing cerumen impaction, which is a common issue seen by general practitioners.
  • Safe Cleaning Practices: Avoid using cotton buds or inserting your fingers into your ears. Instead, gently clean only the external parts of the ear.

If you suspect a build-up of wax that isn’t responding to these measures, it’s important to have your ears examined by a healthcare professional. Hearing aids and other foreign objects can disrupt the natural flow of earwax in the ear canal, leading to discomfort and hearing issues over time, so regular cleaning is essential.

Our Ear Wax Removal Syringing Service

When conservative methods aren’t enough, SPMH offers professional ear syringing. This ear syringing procedure involves gently flushing the ear canal with a controlled stream of water to remove the wax blockage. It is a quick and effective method for ear wax removal to alleviate symptoms and restore comfort. The procedure is particularly effective for removing soft ear wax.

Important: Ear syringing is not suitable for everyone. You should avoid this procedure if you:

  • Have significant hearing loss in one ear (unilateral deafness)
  • Have grommets (ventilation tubes) in place
  • Have had previous ear surgery
  • Have a history of cleft palate
  • Have a perforated eardrum
  • Are currently experiencing an ear infection

Additionally, the procedure should only be used on the outer ear and is not suitable for removing hard, impacted wax.

If any of these conditions apply to you, please discuss alternative options with our healthcare provider.

Where can I get my ears syringed in the Sydney CBD?

You can have your ears syringed at Sydney Premier Medical & Health Centre, a GP clinic on the Ground Floor, 309 Pitt St, Sydney, near Town Hall. Book online or call 02 8964 8677. Your doctor examines your ears first, because syringing is not suitable for everyone, then removes the wax if it is safe to do so.

What to expect:

  1. Book a GP appointment online or by phone, and mention you would like your ears checked for wax.
  2. Before your visit: ask reception whether you should soften the wax with drops for a few days beforehand, because hard, impacted wax is not suitable for syringing.
  3. At your appointment: your doctor looks in your ears and checks whether syringing is right for you. If it is, the ear canal is gently flushed with a controlled stream of water to remove the wax.
  4. If syringing is not suitable, your doctor will discuss other options with you.

Cost: ear syringing is done during a GP appointment. The standard consultation fee is $95.00, or $49.95 after the $45.05 Medicare rebate. Reception will confirm the cost of your appointment when you book.

Book online or call 02 8964 8677.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an appointment to get my ears syringed?

Booking is recommended, online or on 02 8964 8677. If you arrive without an appointment and want to be seen straight away, private fees apply, even if you are an existing patient.

How much does ear syringing cost?

Ear syringing is done during a GP appointment. Our standard consultation fee is $95.00, or $49.95 after the $45.05 Medicare rebate. Reception will confirm the cost of your appointment when you book.

Can I clean my ears myself?

Clean only the outer part of your ear, and avoid putting cotton buds or fingers into the ear canal, which can push wax further in. A few drops of olive oil once a week can soften wax and help it move out naturally. If your ears still feel blocked, see a GP.

Is ear syringing suitable for everyone?

No. Ear syringing is not suitable if you have a perforated eardrum, grommets, a current ear infection, previous ear surgery, a history of cleft palate, significant hearing loss in one ear, or hard impacted wax. Tell your doctor if any of these apply, and they will discuss other options with you.

Book Your Appointment Today

At SPMH, your ear health is our priority. If you’re experiencing symptoms of ear wax build-up or if routine methods haven’t provided relief, our experienced team is here to help. Professional earwax removal can effectively address excess ear wax and related symptoms. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see if ear syringing is the right option for you.

We are committed to providing safe, effective, and compassionate care—ensuring that your ears are in the best possible hands.