This article looks at how earwax and ageing interact, why regular ear checks may matter for older adults, and when microsuction ear wax removal with a nurse practitioner may be considered. It is general information only and does not replace personalised advice from your GP or another health professional.
If you or someone you care for is in Adelaide or the surrounding suburbs and is worried about blocked ears, you can learn more about fees on the MicroClear Ears Pricing & Payments page, read further ear health articles on the blog, or book an appointment online.
How earwax changes with age
Earwax (cerumen) is produced by glands in the outer part of the ear canal. Its role is to protect and moisturise the canal and help move dust and debris out of the ear over time.
With age, several things can change:
- Wax may become drier and harder
Older adults often produce wax that is drier and more likely to form plugs, which can make it harder for the ear to clear itself. - Hair growth in the ear canal
Increased hair in and around the canal can trap wax and make it more difficult for it to move out naturally.
- Mobility and dexterity changes
It may be harder to attend to routine ear care or to notice early signs of wax build-up, especially if mobility, vision, or dexterity are reduced.
- Use of hearing aids or ear devices
Many older adults wear hearing aids, which can change how wax moves and may increase the chance of blockages.
These changes do not mean that every older adult will have earwax problems. However, they do mean that blocked ears from wax are more common in later life, particularly for people who also wear hearing aids or use in-ear headphones.
How blocked ears can affect daily life in older adults
Impacted earwax can cause more than just a feeling of fullness. In older adults, it may contribute to:
- Muffled or reduced hearing
When wax blocks the canal, sound cannot reach the ear drum as easily. This can make conversations harder to follow, especially in noisy environments.
- Increased effort and fatigue
Straining to hear can be tiring and may lead to withdrawal from social activities.
- Confusion about hearing aids
It can be difficult to tell whether changes in hearing are due to the aid, the ear itself, or both. Wax blockages may make hearing aids seem less effective.
- Balance and steadiness changes
For some people, especially those who are already unsteady, blocked ears may add to a sense of imbalance. This does not happen to everyone, but it can be one factor among many.
- Communication difficulties for carers
If a person has both cognitive changes (such as dementia) and blocked ears, communication can become even more challenging for family members and support workers.
Because of these potential effects, it is helpful to think of ear health as part of overall wellbeing in older age.
Signs of earwax build-up in older adults
Older adults may not always notice or describe symptoms clearly. Some signs that earwax may be building up include:
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves.
- Turning the volume on the TV or radio up more than usual.
- Complaints of blocked, full, or “echoey” ears.
- Hearing aids that whistle, cut in and out, or seem less helpful than before.
- Mild ear discomfort or itching in the ear canal.
- Speaking more loudly without realising it.
These signs can also appear for other reasons, such as age-related hearing loss or middle ear conditions. Because of this, wax is only one possible cause, and a proper ear and hearing assessment is important.
Why cotton buds and home tools are not the answer
It can be tempting to try to “help” by cleaning a loved one’s ears with cotton buds or other objects. Unfortunately, this often makes things worse:
- Cotton buds can push wax deeper into the canal, making a firmer plug.
- Hard objects (such as hair pins or keys) can injure the ear canal or ear drum.
- Ear candles have not been shown to safely remove wax and can cause burns or leave material in the ear.
- Home devices purchased online may not be suitable or safe, especially when someone cannot sit still easily or has limited understanding due to cognitive changes.
For older adults, particularly those who are frail or have conditions such as dementia, attempts to clean the ears at home can quickly become distressing or risky. It is safer to avoid putting anything into the ear canal and seek professional advice instead.
How microsuction ear wax removal works
Microsuction is a method of ear wax removal that uses gentle suction under direct vision.
At MicroClear Ears:
- A nurse practitioner uses a medical-grade suction device, a light source, and magnification to see the ear canal clearly.
- A fine suction tip is used to gently remove wax and debris while the ear canal is in view.
- The procedure is water-free, which can be useful for people who have had difficulties with water-based ear syringing or irrigation in the past.
Many people find microsuction to be a quick, well-tolerated way to remove troublesome wax. As with any procedure, experiences vary, and it is not suitable for everyone. The nurse practitioner will discuss the individual situation and may recommend other care if needed.
You can read more about microsuction and other ear health topics in the MicroClear Ears blog.
When microsuction may be considered for older adults
Microsuction may be considered when:
- A GP, audiologist, or other health professional has identified excess or impacted wax.
- The person is experiencing blocked ears, muffled hearing, or discomfort that may be related to wax.
- Hearing aids are not working as expected, and wax is suspected to be part of the issue.
- There is a history of problematic wax build-up, particularly in combination with hearing aids or in-ear devices.
Microsuction is not a treatment for hearing loss itself, nor is it a treatment for active ear infection. If there is pain, discharge, or sudden hearing loss, medical assessment is a priority.
What to expect at MicroClear Ears
The following is a general overview of what many older adults and their carers can expect at a microsuction appointment at MicroClear Ears in Adelaide.
Before the appointment
- Appointments can be booked online or by contacting the clinic directly. No referral is required.
- Before or at the appointment, the nurse practitioner will ask about:
- Current ear symptoms and how long they have been present.
- Use of hearing aids or other devices.
- Past ear surgeries or long-term ear conditions.
- Relevant medical history and medications.
- In some cases, you may be advised to see your GP or another specialist first – for example, if there are concerns about infection, recent surgery, or sudden hearing loss.
During the appointment
- The nurse practitioner will look into the ears using a light and magnification and explain what they can see.
- If microsuction is suitable, they will use a small suction tip to gently remove wax while viewing the canal.
- There may be some noise from the suction device. Many people find this unusual but manageable.
- If any concern arises during the procedure, it may be paused and alternative options discussed.
After the appointment
- If wax was contributing to symptoms, the ears may feel less blocked once it has been removed.
- The nurse practitioner may suggest how often ear checks should be considered in the future, based on how much wax was present and the person’s overall situation.
- If there are other findings – such as ear drum changes, signs of infection, or suspected age-related hearing loss – you may be advised to follow up with a GP, audiologist, or ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.
For up-to-date information about fees and Medicare rebates (where eligible), you can visit the MicroClear Ears Pricing & Payments page.
How often should older adults have earwax checked?
There is no single schedule that suits everyone, but some older adults may benefit from regular ear checks. The right interval depends on:
- How quickly wax tends to build up.
- Whether hearing aids or other in-ear devices are used.
- Past history of blockages or discomfort.
- Other medical conditions that affect ears or balance.
In practice, some people find that a review every 6–12 months works well, while others may need checks more or less frequently. The aim is to:
- Prevent significant blockages that interfere with hearing and communication, and
- Avoid unnecessary procedures when the ears are comfortable and functioning well.
This balance can be discussed with the nurse practitioner, GP, or audiologist who knows the individual’s medical and hearing history.
Supporting a family member or resident with ear health
If you are caring for an older adult at home or in a residential setting, you can play an important role in supporting their ear health:
- Notice changes in how they respond to conversation, television, or phone calls.
- Encourage regular hearing checks with an audiologist, especially if hearing aids are already in use.
- Avoid inserting cotton buds or other objects into their ears.
- Share observations with health professionals – for example, “Mum turns the TV up very high now,” or “Dad has started saying his ears feel blocked.”
- Arrange transport and support for appointments when needed, and let the clinic know about any mobility or cognitive considerations ahead of time.
These small actions can make it easier for the nurse practitioner and other health professionals to provide appropriate, person-centred care.
When to seek urgent medical care
Routine wax removal is not suitable for all situations. You should seek urgent help from a GP, urgent care clinic, or emergency department if an older adult experiences:
- Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears.
- Severe ear pain that is getting worse.
- Fluid, pus, or blood coming from the ear.
- Dizziness, severe imbalance, or falls linked with new ear symptoms.
- A recent head injury followed by hearing or ear changes.
These signs may suggest conditions that require prompt medical assessment.
Microsuction earwax removal for older adults in Adelaide
For some older adults, regular earwax checks and gentle removal when needed can make a meaningful difference to communication, comfort, and day-to-day confidence.
MicroClear Ears provides microsuction ear wax removal at:
- Somerton Park – Brighton Road.
- Stepney – Adelaide Health Co on Magill Road.
- Brooklyn Park – Health on Henley on Henley Beach Road.
To explore more about the procedure and ear health topics, you can visit the MicroClear Ears blog. For information about fees and rebates, see Pricing & Payments. If you would like to arrange an appointment for yourself or someone you care for, you can book online or contact the clinic to discuss what might be appropriate.
This article is general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. For questions about ear health in older age, please speak with your GP, audiologist, or another qualified health professional.
Make an microsuction appointment with MicroClear Ears today
Book your appointment online with MicroClear Ears today. We offer micro-suction ear wax removal ear clinics at three locations across Adelaide; Stepney, Brooklyn Park, and Somerton Park. Our service is Medicare rebatable, and requires no referrals. For more information on fees, please see our fees & pricing page.
If you have any questions, please see our Frequently Asked Questions section or Get in touch today.
Category: Ear health