Hearing appointments on Macleay Island
Living on Macleay Island means most specialist healthcare involves a ferry, a car and a good part of a day. For a routine hearing appointment, that is a lot of effort for something that takes half an hour.
Ear Relief runs a clinic on the island so that trip is not necessary.
Where we are
Macleay Medical Centre, 14 Brighton Road, Macleay Island QLD 4184.
The clinic operates within the medical centre. You do not need to be a patient there to see us — you book with Ear Relief directly.
What is available on the island
The same routine hearing care available at our mainland clinics:
- Ear wax removal
- Hearing assessments
- Hearing aid fitting, adjustment, repairs and maintenance
- Tinnitus assessment
Hearing aid maintenance is the service that matters most for island residents. Aids need periodic adjustment, cleaning and repair, and if every one of those means a ferry trip, they tend not to happen. That is how well-fitted hearing aids end up unworn.
Planning around the ferry
Clinic days on the island are limited, so appointments book out. Two practical points:
Ring before you plan the day around it. Availability changes, and it is worth confirming rather than assuming a particular day.
Allow for the return sailing. If you are coming from the mainland, check the timetable both ways before booking. Appointments run to time but ferries set the constraints.
If you are a resident, the clinic being on the island means none of this applies — but appointments still book out ahead, so early is better.
What to bring
- Your current hearing aids, if you wear them
- A list of your medications
- Any previous hearing test results
- Details of any ear surgery, perforations or grommets
If you are coming from the mainland for the appointment, mention it when you book. It helps us make sure everything gets done in one visit rather than needing a second trip.
If you cannot get to the clinic
Home visits are available on the island. If mobility, illness or caring responsibilities make the medical centre difficult, that is worth asking about rather than going without.
This applies particularly to residents in supported accommodation, and to anyone arranging care for an elderly parent living on the island from somewhere else.
Redland Bay and the wider bay area
Ear Relief also runs a clinic at Redland Bay Surgery on the mainland, at Stradbroke Street and Gladstone Street, Redland Bay QLD 4165. If the timing suits better or you need an appointment sooner, that may be the easier option.
Ear wax removal on the island
Ear wax removal is the most common reason island residents book. It is quick, it is usually a single visit, and having it done on Macleay Island means a blocked ear no longer has to wait until you are next on the mainland. The removal method is chosen after the clinician has looked in your ear.
No GP referral needed
You do not need a referral from your GP to see an audiologist. You can book directly with Ear Relief, which matters on the island, where getting a GP appointment first can add days to the process. An audiologist can be your first point of contact for hearing and ear concerns.
Pension and DVA card holders
If you hold a Pensioner Concession Card, a Veteran Gold Card, or a Veteran White Card issued for hearing-related conditions (or you are the spouse of someone who does), you may be eligible for subsidised hearing services under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. A Commonwealth Seniors Health Card on its own does not qualify.
Bring your card to your appointment and mention it when you book. You can also check your eligibility using the official checker at hearingservices.gov.au.
Booking
Ring to check current clinic days and availability, and mention anything sudden, painful or one-sided — those change what kind of appointment you need.
Our Macleay Island clinic page has current details, and the locations page lists all our clinics.
