December and January are among Melbourne’s busiest travel months. If your ears feel blocked or your hearing has changed, arranging an assessment before the final pre-Christmas rush can leave time for appropriate advice and follow-up.
Do not leave new ear symptoms until departure day
Christmas travel brings full calendars, busy airports and reduced availability across many health services. Melbourne Airport identifies the summer and Christmas period as one of its consistently busiest times. If you are experiencing blocked ears, it is practical to address the concern before the final week of December.
Symptoms associated with accumulated wax can include fullness, earache, tinnitus and reduced hearing. These symptoms are not specific to wax. An examination helps determine whether wax is visible or whether another healthcare pathway should be considered.
Blocked ears and airplane pressure are different concerns
Wax is located in the outer ear canal. Airplane pressure symptoms usually relate to pressure changes across the eardrum and the function of the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear with the back of the nose and throat. An outer-ear wax procedure cannot be guaranteed to prevent pain or pressure during a flight.
If you have a cold, sinus symptoms, a current or recent ear infection, severe pain or a history of difficulty equalising pressure, consult a medical practitioner about flying. Healthdirect specifically advises speaking with a doctor before air travel following a recent middle-ear infection.
Who might consider a pre travel ear examination
An assessment may be useful for people with current blocked-ear symptoms, hearing-aid users who have noticed a change, and those with a history of recurrent wax impaction. Routine removal is not necessary when normal wax is present without a clinical reason to intervene.
Book early if previous removal has required more than one visit. Clinical findings, wax consistency, canal anatomy and individual tolerance can all influence what can be completed at an appointment.
What not to do in the final days before flying
Avoid trying to remove wax with cotton buds, metal tools or other objects. These may push material further into the canal or injure the skin. Seek advice before using drops or oils if you have grommets, a known perforation, previous ear surgery, discharge or a recent infection.
Sudden hearing loss, severe or escalating pain, discharge, marked dizziness, facial weakness or other acute symptoms require prompt medical assessment. An ordinary wax-removal booking is not a substitute for urgent care.
Book before the Christmas rush
For non-urgent symptoms, consider arranging an appointment from late November to mid-December, or one to three weeks before your departure date. The Ear Nurses provides ear examinations at the 6 Crystal Clear Ear Clinics Melbourne. No referral is required.
Where assessment indicates that wax removal is suitable, a registered nurse trained in microsuction and aural hygiene may provide treatment. Results and the number of appointments required vary between individuals. Book online or contact reception to discuss appointment availability.
Book before you travel
Flying over Christmas or summer? Book an ear examination in Brighton or Surrey Hills before the holiday rush.
Appointments can be booked online. Children under five years of age must be booked by telephone. Information in this article is general and does not replace individual medical advice.
Suggested internal links
Surrey Hills clinic location page