Ear wax removal
Covid-19 update: We are open 9 am -5.30 pm Monday to Friday. Ear cleaning is considered to be an essential service. Call us now to book an appointment at one of our ear care clinics for professional ear wax removal in London. We maintain appropriate social distancing throughout our clinic. Therefore, your audiologist will be wearing PPE at all times and we disinfect all rooms and equipment after each appointment.
The production of ear wax is a normal bodily process. This process helps to keep the eardrum protected against any dust or particles which can cause damage. As part of the process, the ear wax dries up and falls out of the ear. Any disruption to this routine can lead to excess ear wax which can affect hearing. Furthermore, this requires safe ear wax extraction to restore the full function of the ears. You may notice an issue with an ear wax blockage following a bath or shower. The ear wax absorbs water, which subsequently leads to a blockage. This can cause the wax to expand, blocking the canal completely and leading to a reduction in your hearing ability.
For issues with blocked ears and concerns about hearing, our team of ear care practitioners are experts in ear wax extraction and are available for same day ear wax removal appointments for a fee of £80 at our hearing clinics in London.
When do I Need Professional Ear Wax Removal?
Everyone has ear wax, so when does it get to the stage of requiring professional ear cleaning? There are many common signs of an ear wax build-up. These can include partial or complete hearing loss, earache, a ringing sound and sometimes even feeling dizzy and nauseous. There are various reasons that this build-up can be caused and most are out of your control; small or damaged ear canals, excessive hair, regular swimming and a build-up of dry skin are all common factors.
It can be tempting to take matters into your own hands and try using cotton buds or your fingers to budge the blockage but we strongly advise avoiding this. Pushing objects into your ear to try and clear them can cause further damage and ear wax extraction should always be carried out by a professional. Our ear care specialists are highly trained in ear wax removal and have access to all of the latest technology to help them undertake the process safely and effectively. The process of ear wax removal is simple and painless, helping to clear any blockages that are obstructing your ear canal. We even offer same-day appointments to help you sort out the issue and get back to normality in no time.
Effective Ear Cleaning Methodologies
Our team of ear care practitioners are fully qualified clinical audiologists who are able to offer a full range of techniques for ear wax removal in London, helping you achieve the best results through safe practices.
Microsuction
Carried out with precision accuracy using high-spec examination microscopes, the process allows us to see the inside of the ear before using a small suction tube to remove the wax. This ear wax extraction method is painless yet thorough, allowing the ear care practitioner to accurately see what is happening within the ear and carry out effective ear cleaning. This method is appropriate for those who have suffered from ear problems such as drum perforation and small canals as it uses small equipment and does not require water.
Irrigation
Also known as syringing, this form of professional ear cleaning uses a machine that sprays water into the ear. This is to dislodge the build-up of ear wax. The irrigation solution is then warmed to the ideal temperate in line with the body’s temperature. We do this to avoid the risk of side effects from solutions that are too warm or cold. During this form of ear wax removal, the irrigation or syringing process may be required a second time. In doing so, all of the wax build-up can be removed. Following the treatment and the ear canal will be professionally dried out afterwards.
Preparing for Ear Wax Removal in London
To achieve the best results from ear cleaning, apply softening drops or olive oil prior to your appointment. This makes it much quicker and easier to remove any hardened wax and clear the build-up.
Once you arrive for ear wax removal in London, your appointment will be held with one of our fully qualified clinical audiologists who offer a full range of effective ear cleaning techniques which will be decided on according to your personal preference. All of our treatments are priced at £80 per appointment. If you wear hearing aids, please bring these along to your appointment. This is so we are able to check and clean them for you.
If you wish to book an appointment, we offer ear wax removal in London at the following clinics. They are available to book on the day or in advance. Please advise on the location you would prefer to visit during your call.
- 2 Harley Street, London W1G 9PA
- North London Hearing, HCA Healthcare Golders Green Outpatients & Diagnostics, 296 Golders Green Road, London, NW11 9PY
If you have any questions about professional ear cleaning or would like to discuss the best approach for your situation, do not hesitate to get in touch. Our team are on hand to offer friendly advice on ear cleaning techniques to help you achieve the best results so give us a call on 020 7486 1053 today.
Please be aware that we are not able to issue prescriptions; if you suspect that you may have an infection, please seek the advice of your GP.
“Having had microsuction on numerous occasions from both private and NHS practitioners, some of which have included some fairly esteemed ENT consultant doctors – I can genuinely say that the care, attention and precision of Matthew was without parallel. I will definitely be making a return visit to the clinic! Kind regards Arthur Woodward BA ACA”
Ear Wax Removal FAQ’s
1 Who will I see for my wax removal appointment
You will see one of our fully trained, HCPC registered Audiologists that have been trained in both clinical ear care and microsuction.
2 What is the price for microsuction and irrigation?
The cost of a 30 minute wax removal appointment is £80, for any method of wax removal, whether it’s for two ears or one.
3 What happens if I don’t have wax?
Your audiologist will investigate the initial reasons for your visit, whether that’s because you feel that your ears are blocked, or your hearing is down. This may involve further hearing tests to see if you require an onward medical referral.
4 How many times do I need to come?
We recommend using olive oil for 2 days prior to your appointment to soften the wax and make it easier to remove. It is only on the very odd occasion that patients will come back for a follow up appointment.
5 Why would I choose microsuction over ear irrigation or syringing?
Microsuction is now the preferred method as it doesn’t involve putting liquid into your ear. A gentle suction device is used to remove earwax under a microscope. The procedure is quick, safe and painless.
6 Do you do syringing?
Syringing is no longer performed as a method of wax removal as it is deemed unsafe. It has been replaced with ear irrigation, which uses a machine to gently pulse a low pressure water into your ear. The water is carefully directed towards the upper ear canal wall to gently flow out, bringing the wax with it.
7 I have ringing in my ears. Can it be from ear wax?
Ear wax can cause whistling, ringing, or a range of different sounds to be perceived in the ears. This is known as tinnitus, and is caused because the blockage reduces the amount of sound reaching your ear drum. Normally if the wax is causing the tinnitus, it should disappear once it has been removed.
8 Do I need to put anything in my ears before my appointment?
We recommend using olive oil drops or Earol 2 days before your appointment to soften the wax and make it easier to remove.
9 Will my tinnitus get worse with microsuction?
With any wax removal procedure, even when performed with the utmost care, there are small risks involved including: damage to or infection of the skin of the ear canal or eardrum. There is also a slight risk of tinnitus during or after the procedure. We will always assess the most appropriate form of wax removal for each patient.
10 How should I keep my ears clean in the future?
We recommend not putting anything in your ears other than occasional olive oil drops to loosen the wax and aid self-cleaning. Ears naturally clean themselves.
11 Can I have an appointment today?
Please call the practice on 0207 486 1053. We normally keep appointments free each day for wax removal emergencies.
12 If I have an ear infection can I have wax removal?
Yes, however we would recommend that you see your GP first. There is the chance that if we remove the wax the ear may fill up with discharge again from the infection.
13 Will I be in pain after the wax removal?
No the wax removal process shouldn’t be painful.
14 How often do people get ear wax removed?
This very much depends on the individual. Some patients have it removed every couple of years, others can be every 12 months. There are people that we see once and then they don’t need to come back at all.
15 Do I need to have a consultation first?
No, we are able to see you for one appointment to assess the condition of your ear and perform the most appropriate form of wax removal all in 30 minutes.
