Ear Wax Removal

Unfortunately, many people have reported no longer being able to access free earwax removal services from their GP. This depends on the area and surgery, but is often down to the fact that the old ‘syringing’ method – previously widely available on the NHS – has been found to be unsafe and is no longer used.

While the NHS could switch to modern, safe removal techniques, GP practices are not always provided funding to offer these services. And if they do, waiting times can be very long. The RNID charity is campaigning to re-establish this vital service throughout the NHS. But in the meantime, your best choice will often be an independent hearing care provider.

According to the NHS, there is no evidence that ear candles are effective at removing ear wax. In fact, they can often do more harm than good. They can cause burns, ear infections, eardrum perforation, occlusions in the ear canal and even temporary hearing loss.

The best method for ear wax removal will depend on your specific needs, there is no one method to suit all. At The Hearing Care Partnership, your clinician will look at your wax and ear health and will assess the method best suited for you.

Non-professional, at-home ear wax removal is not something we would ever recommend. In fact, trying to clean their ears themselves at home is often what causes excess ear wax build-up in the first place.

At the practice, we provide the safest and latest technologies, administered by a qualified professional. Plus, our controlled environment respects the utmost hygiene requirements, decreasing any risk of infection, and putting patient safety first.

We do offer a professional at-home ear wax removal service for those signed up to our hearing aid care plan. However, if you’re able to, in-practice removal is the recommended choice. The cost of removal for a home visit wax removal is £155.

Ear wax contains antibacterial agents and plays a vital part in preventing infections in your ears. It also traps dust and other foreign bodies, as well as keeping the skin in your ears moisturised. Small amounts of ear wax are normal and healthy, and it usually works its way out of your ear naturally.

However, if you have an excessive build-up, this can cause discomfort and temporary hearing loss, as well as other symptoms. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to get it professionally removed to improve your ear health.

Although ear wax is a natural production of the ear and usually works its way out on its own, there are some factors that either cause excessive ear wax or cause a blockage of the ear canal from wax. These can include:

• Self-cleaning with implements such as cotton buds
• Other DIY cleaning methods
• Overuse of earphones or earplugs
• Narrow or damaged ear canals
• Lots of hair in your ear canals
• A skin condition affecting your scalp or ear area
• Inflammation of your ear canal (otitis externa or “swimmer’s ear“)

When you have ear wax blocking your canal it can lead to multiple symptoms such as:

• A feeling of fullness in the ears
• Change in hearing levels (Muffled hearing or lower hearing levels)
• Tinnitus (noises being heard without external source e.g. ringing, buzzing etc.)
• Ear aches

Due to the nature of wax build-up, there is no set timescale for when wax removal is needed. However, we would recommend that you have a regular hearing health check to assess wax levels as well as hearing levels.

If you suffer any symptoms please book to see us or your GP for further advice.

If excess ear wax is not removed, the symptoms you are experiencing can worsen. If you are suffering with any of the symptoms mentioned above, make sure to book in for a free hearing assessment to determine whether ear wax removal is necessary. Your audiologist will then be able to recommend further treatment.

If you’ve already had your ears checked out, you can book your ear wax removal appointment now.