General Practitioner
Dr Chanaka (Chan) Amugoda
MBBS, FRACGP, DRANZCOGSpeaks English- Chronic disease (diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, asthma)
Dr Chan Amugoda checking a patient’s ear
Ear syringing and ear wax removal in Delacombe, Ballarat.
Blocked ears from wax can affect hearing and comfort. Your GP checks your ears first, recommends softening drops if needed, and gently flushes the wax out when it’s suitable.
Prefer to talk? Call (03) 9948 9176
How ear syringing works.
Tap a step, or let it play through.
Step 1 of 6
Check
Look first
Your GP looks in your ears to see if wax is the cause and if syringing is suitable.
What happens
- Ear examination
- History of ear problems
- Checks for infection or perforation
- Choosing the right treatment
Step 2 of 6
Soften
A few days of drops
You may be asked to use softening drops for a few days first.
What happens
- Olive oil or wax-softening drops
- Usually 3 to 5 days
- Lie on your side for a few minutes
- Come back for your appointment
Step 3 of 6
Flush
Gentle irrigation
Warm water is gently flushed into the ear to wash out the softened wax.
What happens
- Warm water irrigation
- Usually takes a few minutes
- Tell us if it feels uncomfortable
- Both ears if needed
Step 4 of 6
Recheck
After
Your GP checks the ear canal and eardrum afterwards.
What happens
- Ear canal check
- Hearing improvement
- Dry the ear
- Advice for home
Step 5 of 6
Hearing
If still a problem
If hearing is still affected, your GP may arrange a hearing test.
What happens
- Hearing test referral
- Audiologist referral
- Tinnitus advice
- Follow-up
Step 6 of 6
Prevent
Ear care
Simple habits help prevent wax build-up and ear problems.
What happens
- Avoid cotton buds in the ear canal
- Regular drops if you build up wax
- Protect ears from water if advised
- Hearing protection at work
Ear care services.
Ear care we offer at Delacombe Medical Centre. Choose a service to see what’s involved, how long to book, any costs and which GPs have an interest in it.
Ready to book?
Book online or call reception. Your GP will check your ears before any syringing.
GPs who can help.
Any of our GPs can check your ears and advise on wax removal.
General Practitioner
Dr Devika Kumari Mabula Arachchige
MBBS, FRACGPSpeaks English, Sinhalese- Chronic disease (diabetes, blood pressure)
GP Registrar
Dr Maryam Imran
MBBSSpeaks English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi- Women’s and children’s health
- Chronic disease management
GP Registrar
Dr Saly Ahmed
MBBS, Master of Critical Care MedicineSpeaks English, Arabic- Chronic disease management
- Acute and complex medical conditions
General Practitioner
Dr Md Asif Anwar
MBBS, FRACGP, MPHSpeaks English, Bengali- Chronic disease (diabetes, heart, kidney and thyroid)
- Child and adolescent health
General Practitioner
Dr Mina Ghorbanpour Landy
MDSpeaks English, Persian- Chronic disease management
General Practitioner
Dr Mukhtar Ali
MBBS (Hons), DCH, FRACGPSpeaks English, Urdu, Arabic- Chronic disease management
- Child and adolescent health
GP Registrar
Dr Khushpinder Kaur
MBBSSpeaks English, Hindi, Punjabi- Maternal and child health
- Chronic disease management
GP Registrar
Dr Harindri Pathiraja
MBBS, AMCSpeaks English, Sinhalese- Children’s health and paediatrics
- Chronic disease management
Before your appointment.
Things to tell us:
- 1Past ear problems
Let us know about perforated eardrums, ear surgery or grommets.
- 2Current symptoms
Pain, discharge or sudden hearing loss need a GP check first.
- 3Use drops if advised
Softening drops for a few days can make removal easier.
- 4Avoid cotton buds
They can push wax further in.
Our GPs speak languages including Arabic, Hindi, Persian, Punjabi, Sinhalese, Tamil and Urdu. Interpreters can also be arranged.
Ear syringing questions.
Common questions from our patients. For anything else, our reception team is happy to help.
Book a GP consultation to discuss this serviceIt shouldn’t. Tell us straight away if it feels painful.
Often yes. Your GP may suggest softening drops for a few days before.
No. It’s not suitable for some people, such as those with a perforated eardrum, ear surgery or an ear infection. Your GP checks first.
Eligible GP consultations are bulk billed with a valid Medicare card.
Your GP may recommend more drops, another attempt, or a hearing test referral.
Book an appointment in Delacombe.
Open seven days at Pad 1, Delacombe Town Centre. Bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
General information only. Your GP will advise what is right for you. In an emergency, call 000.