Clear Ears Townsville

Choosing an ear wax removal clinic is an important decision, and it’s natural to have questions. Below you’ll find answers to the questions we are asked most often about microsuction ear wax removal, curettage, children’s ear care, home visits, pricing and more.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team.

No. You do not need a referral to book an appointment at Clear Ears Townsville.
Many of our patients book directly with us, while others are referred by their GP, audiologist, hearing clinic or specialist. Everyone is welcome.

We offer a comprehensive range of ear health services, including:
Microsuction ear wax removal
Curettage (manual ear wax removal)
Foreign body removal
Ear health assessments
Children’s ear wax removal
Home visits
Hospital visits
Residential aged care visits
Hearing protection
Swim plugs
Custom ear plugs
Our clinicians will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your individual needs.

Microsuction is considered one of the safest and most effective methods of ear wax removal.
Using a specialised medical suction device and high-definition visualisation, wax is gently removed without flushing water into the ear canal.
It is suitable for many patients, including those with hearing aids, previous ear surgery or recurrent ear infections.

Most patients find microsuction very comfortable.
You may hear some noise from the suction machine, and occasionally hard wax can cause temporary sensitivity. If you experience any discomfort during the procedure, simply let your clinician know. We can adjust our technique or use manual instruments where appropriate.
Your comfort and safety are always our priority.

No.
We do not perform ear syringing or irrigation.
Instead, we use modern techniques such as microsuction and curettage, allowing us to remove wax under direct vision with greater precision.

Not usually.
Many patients can be treated without softening drops. However, if your wax is particularly hard or impacted, we may recommend using olive oil or a wax-softening product before a follow-up appointment.
We’ll advise you if this is necessary.

Most appointments take between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the amount and type of wax present.
Complex cases may occasionally require a little longer.

Every ear is different.
Sometimes wax is extremely hard, sitting against the eardrum or causing discomfort when removal is attempted.
If we believe it is safer to continue another day after softening the wax, we’ll organise a complimentary follow-up appointment.
We never rush treatment or compromise your safety.

If a follow-up appointment is clinically required to safely complete your treatment, we provide it free of charge.
This allows us to achieve the best possible outcome without placing unnecessary pressure on patients.

Not every blocked ear or hearing problem is caused by wax.
If your symptoms are due to another condition, we’ll explain what we’ve found and recommend the most appropriate next steps.
If there is no wax requiring removal, you won’t be charged for wax removal.

Yes.
Impacted ear wax can reduce hearing by blocking sound from reaching the eardrum.
However, hearing loss has many possible causes. That’s why every appointment begins with a careful examination to determine whether wax is actually responsible for your symptoms.

Sometimes.
Impacted ear wax can contribute to ringing or buzzing in the ears for some people.
If wax is the underlying cause, symptoms may improve once it has been safely removed.
However, tinnitus has many possible causes, so a thorough assessment is important.

Absolutely.
We regularly treat children and work hard to make every appointment relaxed and enjoyable.
Our clinic offers a child-friendly environment with movies, games, breaks when needed and small rewards to help children feel comfortable throughout their visit.

Yes.
We understand that not everyone can attend a clinic.
We provide professional ear wax removal services in:
Private homes
Residential aged care facilities
Hospitals
Supported accommodation
Disability care settings
Please contact us to discuss your location and availability.

Yes.
We regularly provide mobile ear health services to residential aged care facilities throughout the Townsville region.
Our clinicians have experience working with older Australians, including those living with dementia and complex care needs.

Yes.
Our clinicians are trained in audiology, ear health and cerumenology and receive ongoing professional education to ensure they provide safe, evidence-informed care.
We use modern equipment and follow best-practice infection control procedures for every patient.

Yes.
We frequently remove:
Hearing aid domes
Cotton bud tips
Ear plug fragments
Insects
Beads
Small toys
Other foreign bodies
If we believe removal is unsafe in the clinic, we’ll explain why and assist with referral to the most appropriate healthcare provider.

Yes.
Insects can be extremely uncomfortable and sometimes frightening.
Our clinicians use specialised equipment to carefully assess and remove insects where appropriate while minimising discomfort.

We believe in simple, transparent pricing.
$75 for kids and DVA appointments
$110 for standard appointments
$175 for home visit appointments
Our current fees can be found on our Pricing page.
If you’re unsure which appointment type you need, our friendly team is happy to help.

At present, Medicare does not generally provide a rebate for ear wax removal performed in private practice.
We continue to advocate for improved access to hearing healthcare services across Australia.

Yes.
We welcome eligible Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) patients.
Please bring your DVA card to your appointment. Alternatively if you would like to seek pre-approval from DVA to avoid upfront cost please call us on 07 4426 3602 to find out more!

Patient safety always comes first.
Microsuction may not be appropriate for people who have received radiation therapy to the head or neck because the tissues may be more fragile.
If this applies to you, please let us know when booking so we can discuss the safest treatment options.

Many patients notice immediate improvements in hearing and comfort following ear wax removal.
Your clinician will provide personalised aftercare advice, answer any questions and discuss whether any follow-up is recommended.

If you have a question that isn’t answered above, we’d love to help.
Contact our friendly team or book an appointment today. We’ll take the time to answer your questions and ensure you feel confident about your ear health.