Frequently Asked Questions
We’re here to answer any questions you have about your ears, from general inquiries to specific concerns about earwax removal methods and tinnitus
General
Excessive earwax, also known as cerumen, can cause problems for both adults and children. Earwax is a normal and necessary substance that helps protect the ear canal by trapping dirt and other debris before it reaches the eardrum. However, when too much earwax builds up, it can cause the following problems:
- Earache: Excessive earwax can put pressure on the eardrum, causing pain and discomfort.
- Hearing loss: When there is too much earwax in the ear canal, it can block sound waves from reaching the eardrum, leading to temporary hearing loss.
- Tinnitus: Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ear, which can be caused by excessive earwax.
- Dizziness: A buildup of earwax can affect the balance organs in the inner ear, leading to dizziness or vertigo.
- Infections: If earwax is pushed too far into the ear canal, it can cause an ear infection.
- In children, excessive earwax can also lead to behavioral issues, as they may become irritable or fussy due to the discomfort caused by the buildup. It can also lead to difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and other related problems.
Some common signs of excessive earwax include earache, hearing loss, a feeling of fullness in the ear, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), dizziness, itchiness and pain. These symptoms can also indicate other ear conditions, so it would be best to consult your audiologist for an in-depth diagnosis.
Some common causes include:
- Incorrect ear-cleaning techniques
- Use of cotton swabs or objects that push the wax deeper
- Narrow or curved ear canals
- Excessive hair growth in the ear canal
- Regular use of hearing aids, earplugs or earphones
- Exposure to dusty or dirty environments
- Certain medical conditions, including surfer’s ear (exostosis)
There are various effective techniques of earwax removal including microsuction, manual removal and water irrigation (using water to flush out the wax). The most appropriate technique will depend on various factors such as the severity of the blockage and the individual’s ear health. At Ear Relief, your audiologist will perform a careful assessment prior to selecting the most effective technique for you.
When performed by a trained professional, there is minimal risk. However, individuals may feel slight discomfort, ringing or dizziness during or post procedure.
The frequency of earwax removal will vary person to person and depend on several factors, including the rate of earwax production and the individual’s susceptibility to earwax blockage.
However, generally professional earwax removal is recommended to be performed every 3-6 months.
We will incur a fixed fee of $59 for the allocated clinical time in cases of:
- Failing to attend
- Cancellation or rescheduling after the 48-hour confirmation call
- Attended, but no services were provided.
We will not incur any fees for the first rescheduling of your appointment at or before the 48-hour confirmation call. Subsequent reschedules will incur a fee as stated.
Fees
| Private | Medicare | Referred by GP at affiliated clinics | DVA/Pensioner |
| $149.00 | $129.00 | $90.00 | $0* |
| Private | Medicare | Referred by GP at affiliated clinics | DVA/Pensioner |
| $209.00 | $179.00 | $90.00 | $0* |
| Private | Medicare | Referred by GP at affiliated clinics | DVA/Pensioner |
| No Cost | No Cost | No Cost | No Cost |
| Private | Medicare | Referred by GP at affiliated clinics | DVA/Pensioner |
| Call to Discuss | Call to Discuss | Call to Discuss |
| Private | Medicare | Referred by GP at affiliated clinics | DVA/Pensioner |
| Starting at additional $30 for each service | Starting at additional $30 for each service | No extra cost* |
* For eligible individuals only. To check your eligibility, please contact us and have your pension card handy.
Hearing Aids
Pricing depends on the hearing aid model and your individual eligibility.
For eligible pensioners, a pair ranges from $0* to $9,000*.
For non-pensioners, a pair ranges from $200* to $10,500*.
Your hearing aid price covers a full suite of support for the next five years, including annual hearing tests, fitting, follow-up appointments, and ongoing maintenance for the lifetime of the device.
Please note this doesn't include travel fees for at-home services.
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Hearing Services Program, this takes into account your degree of hearing loss and the expected benefit hearing aids would provide.
Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids.
Private health insurers vary, most offer a set rebate amount toward fitting costs, so it's worth checking your policy's coverage.
We don't offer a pre-purchase trial period, but every purchase comes with a 30-day satisfaction period if your hearing aids aren't the right fit, we'll process a refund. On the day of your hearing test, you can also test-drive the latest hearing aid technology to see the difference for yourself before deciding.
No, today's hearing aids are discreet by design.
We offer a range of styles, including behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, and completely-in-the-canal options, so you can choose what suits you best.
If your hearing aids are damaged, we'll send them to the manufacturer for assessment and repair where possible. If they're lost, replacement is at the cost of the original purchase so we strongly recommend insuring your hearing aids under your home and contents policy.
Hearing Assessment
A hearing assessment includes several simple, painless tests that measure how well you hear different sounds and speech. Your audiologist will explain your results clearly and discuss next steps if needed.
Most hearing assessments take around 30–60 minutes, depending on your hearing needs and whether additional tests are required.
No. Hearing tests are completely non-invasive and painless. You simply listen to sounds through headphones and respond when you hear them.
No referral is usually required to book a hearing assessment at Ear Relief. However, your GP may recommend a test if you have hearing concerns.
You may benefit from a hearing test if you:
Conversations are hard to follow.
Turn up the TV volume often
Ask people to repeat themselves
Notice ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
Have difficulty hearing conversations in noisy environments
These are common early signs of hearing changes
Adults should consider a hearing check every few years, or sooner if they notice changes in hearing, communication difficulties, or tinnitus.
Yes. Hearing changes are common with age, and regular testing helps detect issues early so treatment options can be discussed sooner.
A full assessment may include:
Pure-tone testing
Speech testing
Middle ear analysis
These tests help identify the type and level of hearing loss.
Your audiologist will explain your results and discuss personalised recommendations. This may include monitoring, hearing protection advice, or hearing aid options if appropriate.
Ear Relief offers hearing assessments at multiple Brisbane clinic locations and via home visit services when needed.
Yes. Home visit hearing assessments are available for patients who prefer care in the comfort of their own home.
| Private | Medicare | Referred by GP at affiliated clinics | DVA/Pensioner |
| $209.00 | $179.00 | $90.00 | $0* |
* For eligible individuals only. To check your eligibility, please contact us and have your pension card handy.
Yes*. If you're DVA or senior pensioner with eligible pension card you can book with us for a free hearing assessment.
* For eligible individuals only. To check your eligibility, please contact us and have your pension card handy.
Earwax Removal Methods
The duration of the procedure will vary depending on the amount of earwax present, complexity of the case and the technique used. On average, it takes about 10 to 30 minutes to complete the process. However, your audiologist will take the necessary time to ensure thorough wax removal.
If a second visit is required to dislodge remaining wax no additional fee will be charged.
| Private | Medicare | Referred by GP at affiliated clinics | DVA/Pensioner |
| $149.00 | $129.00 | $90.00 | $0* |
* For eligible individuals only. To check your eligibility, please contact us and have your pension card handy.
Hearing Home Visits
Tinnitus
Currently, there is no known cure for tinnitus. However, there are various management strategies and treatments available to help reduce the symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with tinnitus. Our audiologist will perform a comprehensive assessment to find the best management plan for you.
Tinnitus management strategies can include sound therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), stress reduction techniques, lifestyle changes (e.g., reducing caffeine or alcohol intake), hearing aids, or masking devices. The best approach will depend on the underlying cause and individual needs which your audiologist will evaluate and recommend.
Yes, stress and anxiety can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms for some individuals. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, counselling, or other stress-reduction methods can help minimise the impact of tinnitus.
Tinnitus can sometimes improve or resolve on its own, especially if it is caused by a temporary condition like a loud noise exposure. However, for many individuals, tinnitus is a chronic condition that requires management strategies to alleviate its impact on daily life.
| Private | Medicare | Referred by GP at affiliated clinics | DVA/Pensioner |
| $209.00 | $179.00 | $90.00 | $0* |
* For eligible individuals only. To check your eligibility, please contact us and have your pension card handy.