Ear wax removal clinics near you

First, the clinician examines your ears with an otoscope or microscope. In more advanced practices, the clinician shows the patient a video of their ear canal.

Next, the clinician explains the procedure to the patient stating that they would use a suction probe connected to a suction machine to extract the wax safely while enhancing their view with a microscope.

Finally, the suction machine is set at a safe pressure level, and the procedure commences.

In most cases, when the procedure is performed well, patients do not report any discomfort. It is important to note that your ears may be sensitive if you have used cotton buds or certain ear drops that can erode your ear canal skin. You must agree with the clinician on a word to indicate if/when you’re in pain. For instance, the word “stop” can be used as a signal to immediately halt the procedure if you feel discomfort. These cases are rare.

Ear microsuction is very effective. It is one of the only procedures which guarantees instant relief for most cases of ear wax blockage. Of course, there is the odd occasion where the clinician would not be able to take out all of the wax at the first attempt. This is mainly in cases where the patient has a sensitive ear canal or has not softened the wax with ear drops.

Typically, patients ears are cleaned in approximately 30 minutes or less. Once complete, patients experience instant relief from the respective issue.

You should visit the ear clinic if you notice any of the following symptoms irrespective of how recent you have had microsuction:

• decreased hearing ability
• tinnitus
• earache
• pressure in your ear

However, to answer the question, the time between wax build-up for everyone varies. Some patients may need the procedure every three months, while others may only need it once every few years.

There is a fundamental difference between ear syringing and ear irrigation, although these terms are often interchangeably used. Ear syringing refers to the use of a manual syringe and water to remove ear wax. Ear irrigation involves removing ear wax using an ear irrigation machine. This machine uses water to dislodge ear wax at a safe pressure level. Ear syringing is no longer recommended.

The consensus amongst professional ear wax removers is that removing ear wax with a suction machine is the safest option. However, there are cases where ear wax irrigation or using other instruments for ear wax removal is appropriate, especially when performed with the correct equipment.

Ear cleaning is no longer one of the core services GPs are obliged to provide. The general advice on the NHS website is to use olive oil drops to encourage the natural mechanism of the ear canal to remove the wax. While this can get rid of the wax in some cases, impacted ear wax needs to be professionally removed, especially if it is causing a hearing loss, blocked ear sensation, pain or discomfort.

Recently, patients have reported increased difficulty accessing ear wax removal services in the NHS. Most GP practices or pharmacists do not offer ear cleaning services. While some NHS ear, nose, and throat departments still offer ear cleaning, priority is given to patients with more complex ear-related issues who have ear wax removal as part of their routine treatment. For instance, patients who have had a mastoidectomy in the past are more likely to get free ear wax removal on NHS. Most GPs recommend private ear wax removal for their patients. Usually, you do not need a referral for ear wax removal.

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The benefit of using audiologists, specialist nurse, and ENT consultants to undertake ear wax removal is if there is no ear wax blockage found these professionals are able to perform additional investigations which can lead to a diagnosis and solution within the same visit.

For instance some patients who attend clinic thinking they have lots of ear wax hence a hearing loss end up being diagnosed with an ear infection or sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).  A SSNHL is an emergency and there is, typically  a 50% chance of your hearing reverting to normal within the first two weeks if diagnosed swiftly.

By having  a qualified professional care for your ears you will ensure if there are any issues outside of ear wax blockage, you will maximise the chances for your hearing to revert to normal. Our clinician can signpost you to A & E in the case of an emergency or arrange for you to be seen at a private ENT clinic. 

Tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition and not a condition on its own. Hence, there can be various causes of tinnitus, with ear wax being one of them. If ear wax is the cause of your tinnitus, we expect that your tinnitus will go away after your ear wax removal procedure. Otherwise, we will offer you a comprehensive hearing consultation at an additional fee.

It is important to soften your ear wax with pre-treatment drops before microsuction. This makes for a more pleasurable experience. There are many over-the-counter ear drops, but we only recommend olive oil drops or sprays such as earol. Olive oil lubricates the ear canal and helps the ear wax to slip out easily during the microsuction procedure. From experience, other ear drops such as sodium bicarbonate, hydrogen peroxide, and saline base drops should only be used for very hard wax and for a limited period.

The best technique to apply olive oil for maximum efficacy:

• Tilt your head completely to the side and apply a few drops or spray in the ear. Leave your head tilted or lying down for about 10-15 minutes.
• Apply twice daily for at least two days before your appointment. Where you fail to apply the olive oil before your appointment, most clinics would offer olive oil application on-site.

Ear syringing is now a discredited method of ear wax removal. Ear syringing has been linked to increased ear infections, ear drum perforations, and trauma to the ear canal. Some patients with blocked ears have often complained that even after undergoing the ear syringing procedure at a private clinic, their ears were still blocked.