Microsuction is the safest and most comfortable way to remove earwax for most people, because it is dry, uses no water and is done while the clinician looks directly into your ear. Syringing and drops still have a place, but they come with more limits. Here is an honest comparison.
Written and reviewed by Mo Helou, Accredited Audiologist (Audiology Australia) and Principal Audiologist. Last reviewed October 2026. We update this page when rules or funding change.
Microsuction
A gentle suction tube removes the wax while the clinician watches under magnification, checking the ear canal and eardrum as they go.
- No water, so safe with perforated eardrums, grommets and past ear surgery.
- Usually one visit of 15 to 30 minutes.
- Instant relief from blocked ears for most people.
- Suitable for hearing aid users and children aged 4 and above.
Downsides, honestly: the suction is loud, some people feel briefly dizzy, and very hard wax may need a few days of drops first.
Syringing (ear irrigation)
Water is flushed into the ear to wash the wax out. Modern electronic irrigators are safer than the old metal syringe, but water is still pushed towards the eardrum without the clinician seeing inside during the flush.
- Not suitable with a perforated eardrum, grommets, past ear surgery or ear infections.
- Often needs several days of drops first.
- Can leave the ear damp.
Ear drops
Olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops soften wax. For mild build-up they can be enough on their own and cost very little. For a fully blocked ear they usually just soften the wax so it can be removed.
When you do not need us
If your ears feel fine and your hearing is clear, you probably do not need earwax removal. Earwax protects your ears and most ears clean themselves. A few drops of olive oil once a week is often all a mildly waxy ear needs. Come and see us when your ear feels blocked, muffled or itchy, when hearing aids keep whistling, or before a hearing test.
If you have ear pain, discharge, a sudden hearing drop or fever, see your GP first. These can be an infection that needs a doctor, not wax removal.
What to avoid
Cotton buds, ear candles and home suction gadgets. Cotton buds push wax deeper and can damage the canal or eardrum. Ear candling has no evidence of benefit and can cause burns.
Microsuction in clinic or at home
Mobile Earwax Specialist removes earwax by microsuction at clinics in Merrylands, Campbelltown, Alexandria, Winston Hills and Auburn, or at your home or aged care facility across Sydney. Every appointment includes a proper look at the ear canal and eardrum.
Book earwax removal or call (02) 7238 7033. Want the cost side explained? Read Is earwax removal covered by Medicare?
Frequently asked questions
Is microsuction good for ear wax removal?
Yes. Microsuction is widely considered the safest and most comfortable earwax removal method. It is dry, uses no water and is done while the clinician looks directly into your ear, checking the canal and eardrum as the wax comes out.
Is microsuction ear wax removal actually worth it?
If your ear is blocked, muffled or you wear hearing aids, usually yes: most people get instant relief in one visit. If you have only a little wax and no symptoms, you probably do not need it, and we will tell you.
Is earwax microsuction painful?
Most people find it painless. You hear a loud suction noise and may feel a slight coolness. Very stuck wax can cause brief mild discomfort, and we stop whenever you ask. The appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
How long does microsuction last?
It depends on how fast your ears make wax. Many people only need it once every year or two. People who make a lot of wax, wear hearing aids or earbuds, or have narrow ear canals may need it every six to twelve months.
Can you microsuction ear wax at home?
Not safely by yourself. Home suction gadgets and camera scoops can push wax deeper or scratch the canal. A trained clinician can do microsuction in your home: Mobile Earwax Specialist offers home and aged care visits across Sydney.
Is microsuction better than ear syringing?
For most people, yes. Syringing pushes water into the ear and is not suitable with a perforated eardrum, grommets, past ear surgery or frequent infections. Microsuction avoids water entirely and the clinician can see what they are doing.
Can children have microsuction?
Yes. We see children aged 4 and above.
Sources: healthdirect, earwax; NICE guideline NG98, earwax removal.
