The procedure for wax removal is explained under our ‘services’ page on our website.

If safe to do so, wax will be removed from your ear/s using the safest and most appropriate method for the quantity and consistency of the wax discovered. Three methods of wax removal may be used, and these are sometimes used in combination:

• Microsuction: wax is removed from the ear by suction from the tube. This procedure can be noisy.

• Manual extraction: fine hand-held instruments are inserted carefully into your ear and used to gently extract the wax from the ear canal.

• Irrigation: a fine jet of water is gently circulated around the ear canal to loosen and remove the wax deposit. This procedure can also be noisy.

Your audiologist has undertaken training in wax removal and will use best-practice procedures to minimise any risk of harm. However, even when performed with the utmost care, there are risks involved in wax removal. These risks include:

• damage to skin of the ear canal or the ear-drum during the procedure

• infection of the ear canal or other ear structures following the procedure

• temporary reduction in hearing

• permanent reduction in hearing

• temporary dizziness and (rarely) possible sickness or fainting

• triggering of new tinnitus or temporary aggravation of existing tinnitus

• temporary irritation to the throat, especially if already dry, tickly or sensitive

Sometimes, depending on the amount and consistency of the wax and your own comfort, it may not be possible to remove all the wax in one visit. If this situation occurs the audiologist will stop the procedure, and you will be advised to continue to use a wax softener for a few days and return to have the remainder removed.

Sometimes it may be necessary to reject you for this procedure. Most commonly this is because medical referral conditions have been discovered in the health screen prior to undertaking the procedure which indicate it is unsafe to proceed It may also be necessary to refer you to a medical professional for further management following this procedure. Most commonly this is because:

• evidence of a recent or previous infection has been discovered

• evidence of recent or previous damage or disruption to the ear has been discovered

• the wax removal procedure has made you feel unwell

• the wax is too difficult to remove without discomfort

• a foreign object has been discovered in the ear

By booking an appointment, you confirm:

• I have read the information above and understand there are risks involved. I give my consent to allow the audiologist to remove wax from my ear using the safest and most appropriate method for the amount and consistency of wax discovered.

• I understand that the removal may take more than one visit and that it may be necessary to refer me to a medical professional if any complications arise.

• I agree to have the image of my ear recorded by a video otoscope before and after the procedure and give my consent for those images to be stored digitally in my clinical notes.