Services
Delivering Safe, Comfortable, and Professional Ear Wax Removal
Professional Ear Wax Removal Services
Earwax, scientifically known as cerumen, is a natural build-up of dead cells, hair, and foreign particles like dust. It’s the soft, brownish-yellow substance naturally produced in the ear canals. Typically, earwax doesn’t cause any significant issues, but in some cases, it may lead to symptoms like reduced hearing, earaches, or even vertigo.
If you have earwax buildup, try using oil drops like olive or almond oil to soften the wax which will enable it to fall out or dissolve. Use 2-3 drops twice a day for two weeks. Please try this for at least one week.
To use the drops, lie down with one ear facing up and put the drops in. Stay in that position for a few minutes so the drops can move into the ear canal. Then, use a tissue to wipe away any extra drops. Some people find it easier to do this while lying in bed, right after waking up and before going to sleep at night.
If you often get a build-up of ear wax, using a couple of drops of olive oil once a week may help prevent this. We can schedule an assessment to check for any wax buildup in your ears. If significant buildup is found, we can arrange for Microsuction to remove the wax. The fee for the assessment is deducted from the Microsuction fee.
Pricing
We keep our pricing simple and transparent:
- Ear Wax Assessment – £20 (30 minutes). We check both ears and advise if microsuction is needed. This £20 fee is fully deducted from the cost of your treatment if you go ahead with microsuction on the same visit, or can act as a deposit if the procedure is carried out on the day.
Please call us on 01453 333053 or use the booking button above if you’d like a firm quote for your specific treatment before you visit.
Microsuction
Microsuction is now preferred over ear syringing or irrigation for several reasons.
Syringing and irrigation involve squirting water into the ear canal and behind the wax blockage, hoping that the water pressure will push out the wax. However, this method carries risks, such as pushing the wax deeper into the ear canal. It can also pose a risk of further damaging the ear if the eardrum is already perforated or if there’s an infection behind it.
That’s why we recommend Microsuction as the primary option. It employs gentle medical suction to remove wax with precision, avoiding the need to insert anything into the ear canal. With the help of a specialized endoscope, our practitioners get a clear view of the ear canal, allowing them to detect any infections or eardrum perforations. Even if there’s an existing perforation, Microsuction is a safe method to remove wax without pushing it deeper into the ear. We can also provide pictures and videos of the procedure, which can be shared with your GP if further specialized interventions are needed.
Low-pressure water irrigation may be considered if there’s no evidence of eardrum perforation or significant infection. However, it’s typically used only when stubborn wax buildup proves challenging to remove with Microsuction.
On some occasions, if the earwax feels too tough, we’ll suggest using sodium bicarbonate drops for 3-5 days before attempting to remove it. This can help minimize any discomfort for you.
To use the drops effectively, first warm them to room temperature by letting the bottle sit in a room for about half an hour. Then, lie on your side with the affected ear facing upwards. Stay in this position while applying the drops and allow them to soak in for 2-3 minutes. By using the drops 2-3 times a day for 3-7 days, the earwax tends to soften and often breaks up more easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ear wax (cerumen)?
Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance made of dead skin cells, hair, and dust that protects the ear canal. It doesn't usually cause problems, but a build-up can sometimes lead to reduced hearing, earache, or dizziness.
Can I remove ear wax at home?
Softening drops such as olive or almond oil can help, using 2-3 drops twice daily for one to two weeks. If wax remains after this, book an assessment so our trained staff can check whether microsuction is needed.
How much does an ear wax assessment cost?
An assessment costs £20 and takes around 30 minutes, checking both ears and advising whether microsuction is required. This fee is fully deducted from your treatment cost if microsuction is carried out during the same visit.
Why is microsuction safer than ear syringing or irrigation?
Syringing uses water pressure that can push wax deeper or worsen an existing perforation or infection. Microsuction instead uses gentle suction under direct endoscopic view, so our trained staff can see the ear canal clearly throughout the procedure.
What if my earwax is particularly hard or stubborn?
For stubborn wax, we may recommend sodium bicarbonate drops for three to five days beforehand to help soften it. Warm the drops to room temperature first, then apply while lying with the affected ear facing upwards.
When should I see a GP instead of booking ear wax removal?
If you have sudden hearing loss, severe ear pain, discharge, bleeding, or dizziness, contact your GP or NHS 111 promptly, as these symptoms may need urgent medical assessment beyond routine ear wax removal.
This information is provided for general guidance only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you experience severe pain, sudden hearing loss, discharge or bleeding, please contact your GP or NHS 111 promptly.
Content reviewed: 3 August 2026
