This article offers a parent-friendly overview of earwax in children, when wax may need attention, and how microsuction ear wax removal with a nurse practitioner at MicroClear Ears in Adelaide may fit into care. It is general information only and does not replace advice from your GP, paediatrician, or another health professional.
For more ear health articles, you can visit the MicroClear Ears blog. To view fees and Medicare information (where eligible), see Pricing & Payments. If you are in Adelaide and are worried about your child’s ears, you can book an appointment online or talk with your GP about whether a referral is appropriate.
Earwax in children: what is normal?
Earwax (cerumen) is produced by glands in the outer part of the ear canal. In children, as in adults, it:
- Helps trap dust and debris.
- Keeps the ear canal moist and protected.
- Slowly moves outwards, carrying old skin cells with it.
Normal earwax can be:
- Yellow, orange, or brown.
- Soft, flaky, or slightly sticky.
In many children, earwax moves out of the ear canal on its own, and no special cleaning is needed. Wiping the outer ear with a soft cloth during bath time is usually all that is required.
Signs that earwax might be causing problems
Sometimes earwax builds up faster than it can leave the ear, or becomes trapped. In children, it can be hard to know exactly what they are feeling, but signs of problematic wax may include:
- Complaints that one or both ears feel blocked.
- Saying that sounds are muffled or that they “can’t hear properly”.
- Turning the TV or tablet volume up higher than usual.
- Frequently saying “What?” or asking people to repeat themselves.
- Pulling at the ear or rubbing around the entrance to the canal.
- Visible wax completely filling the canal when you gently look from the outside.
These signs do not always mean wax is the only issue. Middle ear fluid, ear infections, and other hearing conditions are also common in children. If you notice changes in hearing, behaviour, or balance, it is important to arrange an assessment with your GP or a paediatrician, and sometimes an audiologist.
When earwax should not be removed at home
Parents often want to help by cleaning their child’s ears. Unfortunately, some common home methods can cause more harm than good.
Cotton buds and other objects
Putting cotton buds or other objects (such as hairpins) into a child’s ear canal can:
- Push wax deeper, making a firmer plug.
- Scratch or injure the delicate skin of the canal.
- In rare cases, damage the ear drum.
For children who wriggle or cannot stay still, the risk of injury is higher. It is safer to avoid placing anything inside the ear canal.
Ear candles and unregulated devices
Ear candles are not recommended for children or adults. They have not been shown to safely or reliably remove wax and may cause burns or leave material inside the ear.
Home “ear vacuums” or camera devices sold online may not be safe, especially for use on children. Without proper lighting, training, and equipment, it is easy to hurt the ear.
If your child’s ears seem blocked, it is best to have them examined by a health professional rather than experimenting at home.
How microsuction works for earwax removal
Microsuction is a method of earwax 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 into the ear canal.
- A fine suction tip is guided into the outer part of the ear canal to gently remove wax and debris.
- The procedure is water-free, which can be helpful for some children who have previously had problems with water-based ear syringing.
Because the nurse practitioner can see the canal throughout, they can work carefully and pause if a child needs a break.
Microsuction is not suitable for every child or every situation. The nurse practitioner will consider:
- The child’s age and ability to sit relatively still.
- Whether there are any signs of infection or other ear conditions.
- Any history of ear surgery or perforated ear drums.
- Advice from the child’s GP, paediatrician, or ENT specialist.
When microsuction may be considered for children
Microsuction may be considered as part of a child’s care when:
- A GP, paediatrician, or ENT specialist has identified significant wax build-up.
- Earwax is blocking the view of the ear drum, making it difficult to fully examine the ear.
- A hearing test is needed, but wax is interfering with accurate results.
- The child has ongoing blocked ears or discomfort thought to be related to wax.
Microsuction is not a treatment for ear infections, glue ear, or all causes of hearing loss in children. In many cases, these conditions need separate management from a GP, paediatrician, audiologist, or ENT specialist.
What to expect at a children’s microsuction appointment
Every child is different, but a typical appointment for earwax assessment and possible microsuction at MicroClear Ears may look like this.
Before the appointment
- Parents or carers can book online or call the clinic to arrange a suitable time and location.
- It can help to:
- Explain to your child in simple terms that “someone is going to have a look in your ears and might use a small vacuum to help clean them”.
- Bring a favourite toy, book, or comfort item.
- Allow extra time for parking and settling in.
You can find fee information and payment options on the Pricing & Payments page.
At the start of the appointment
The nurse practitioner will:
- Talk with you and your child about their symptoms and history, including:
- How long ears have felt blocked or sore.
- Any previous ear infections or surgery.
- Any hearing tests already done.
- Explain what will happen in a way that is appropriate for your child’s age.
You are welcome to stay with your child throughout the appointment.
Examining your child’s ears
Using a light and magnification, the nurse practitioner will:
- Look carefully into each ear canal.
- Assess how much wax is present.
- Check for signs of infection or other concerns.
Sometimes, this examination reveals that microsuction is not needed or not suitable at that time. In that case, you may be advised to follow up with your GP, paediatrician, or ENT specialist.
During microsuction
If microsuction is appropriate and you agree to go ahead:
- Your child may be asked to sit on their own or on a parent’s lap, depending on age and comfort.
- The nurse practitioner will position a light and magnification to see the ear canal clearly.
- A small suction tip is used to gently remove wax while continuously viewing the canal.
Children may notice:
- A whooshing or humming sound from the suction device.
- A gentle sensation in the ear as wax is moved.
Appointments are paced to allow for reassurance and short breaks if needed. If at any stage your child is too distressed or cannot stay still safely, the procedure may be paused or stopped, and other options discussed.
After microsuction
- The nurse practitioner will look into the ears again to see how much wax has been removed.
- They may ask your child (and you) how their ears feel and whether hearing seems clearer.
- You may be given guidance on:
- When to return, if wax tends to build up quickly.
- When to see your GP, paediatrician, or ENT for further assessment.
- How to care for your child’s ears at home.
Ear care tips for parents and carers
To support your child’s ear health between appointments:
- Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal, including cotton buds.
- Gently clean only the outer ear with a soft washcloth.
- If your child swims regularly and has had ear problems, discuss ear protection and after‑swim care with your GP.
- Notice if your child:
- Turns the TV up very loud.
- Frequently asks for repetition.
- Seems to favour one ear over the other.
- Has changes in behaviour or school performance that might be linked with hearing.
- Seek early advice from a GP or paediatrician if you are worried about:
- Speech and language development.
- Frequent ear infections.
- Balance or coordination changes.
Your child’s doctor can guide you on when hearing tests or specialist referrals are appropriate.
When to seek urgent medical care for a child’s ears
If your child experiences:
- Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears.
- Severe ear pain, especially with fever or general unwellness.
- Fluid, pus, or blood coming from the ear.
- Dizziness, unsteadiness, or vomiting with ear symptoms.
- A head injury followed by changes in hearing or behaviour.
you should seek urgent medical attention from a GP, urgent care clinic, or emergency department. These situations require prompt assessment and are not suitable for routine wax removal alone.
Microsuction for children in Adelaide
For some children, gentle removal of excess earwax can help improve comfort and allow clearer assessment of the ears and hearing. Microsuction with a nurse practitioner is one option that may be considered as part of care.
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 read more about ear health, visit the MicroClear Ears blog. For fee and rebate information, see Pricing & Payments. If you would like to discuss whether a microsuction appointment may be suitable for your child, you can book online or speak with your GP for guidance.
This article is general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. For concerns about your child’s ears or hearing, please talk with your GP, paediatrician, 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
