Ear wax is a natural substance that helps protect and keep your ears healthy. It helps trap dust and debris and protects the delicate skin of the ear canal.
Usually, ear wax works its way out of the ear naturally, however, some people produce more wax than others, or the wax may not clear as easily. Over time, this can lead to a build-up or blockage, which may cause discomfort, a feeling of fullness, tinnitus or temporary hearing loss.
Our ear wax removal service
There are several reasons why ear wax may build up. Wearing hearing aids, earplugs or in-ear headphones can sometimes prevent wax from naturally working its way out of the ear canal. Some people also naturally produce more wax, while narrow ear canals and certain skin conditions, such as eczema, can make a build-up more likely.
Avoid using cotton buds or other objects to remove wax from inside your ears. Rather than removing the wax, they can push it further into the ear canal, making a blockage worse and potentially causing injury.
Itchy, uncomfortable or blocked ears?
If excess ear wax is causing problems, we’re here to help.
Our ear wax removal service offers:
- Microsuction ear wax removal carried out by a trained hearing care professional
- No GP or ENT referral required
- Convenient appointments at participating Amplify Hearing clinics
- A dry procedure that does not use water
- Clear visualisation of the ear canal throughout the procedure
- A safe and effective method of removing excess or impacted ear wax
Your clinician will examine your ears before treatment and advise whether microsuction is appropriate for you.
Microsuction ear wax removal
Microsuction is a safe and effective method of removing excess ear wax and debris.
Your clinician examines the ear canal using magnification and carefully removes the wax using a small, low-pressure suction device. Unlike ear irrigation, microsuction does not use water.
The procedure is usually quick and well tolerated. Some people notice a pulling or tickling sensation, and the suction equipment can sound quite loud inside the ear.
Amplify Hearing uses microsuction rather than traditional ear syringing. NICE advises that traditional manual syringing using a large syringe should no longer be used because the pressure can potentially damage the ear canal or eardrum. Modern electronic ear irrigation is a different procedure and remains an accepted method of ear wax removal in appropriate cases.
Symptoms of impacted ear wax
A build-up of ear wax can cause symptoms including:
A blocked or full feeling in the ear | Muffled hearing | Tinnitus | Itching | Ear discomfort or earache | Dizziness or vertigo | Irritation that may trigger coughing
Some of these symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than ear wax. If your clinician finds anything that requires further investigation, they will explain this to you and advise you on the appropriate next steps.
If you have significant ear pain, discharge from the ear or a sudden change in your hearing, you should seek appropriate medical advice rather than assuming that ear wax is the cause.
Affordable ear wax removal
We believe getting help with troublesome ear wax should be straightforward and affordable.
Our ear wax removal service starts from £50 for one ear or £80 for both ears. Prices may vary by location, so please check the price with your local Amplify Hearing clinic when booking.
We may recommend using an olive oil-based ear spray, such as Earol, for a few days before your appointment. This can help soften the wax and make it easier to remove. Your clinic will advise you if this is appropriate when you book.
Ear wax removal FAQ
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What is microsuction ear wax removal? Microsuction is a safe and effective method of removing excess or impacted ear wax using a small suction device. Your clinician can see into the ear canal throughout the procedure using magnification, allowing the wax to be removed carefully and precisely. Microsuction is a dry procedure, so no water is used. How do I know if I need microsuction ear wax removal? You may have a build-up of ear wax if you experience symptoms such as: A feeling of fullness or blockage in one or both ears, muffled or reduced hearing, Tinnitus, such as ringing or buzzing in the ear, ear discomfort or earache, itchy ears, dizziness or vertigo. These symptoms do not always mean that you have excess ear wax. Your clinician will examine your ears before treatment to determine whether wax is present and whether removal is appropriate. Is microsuction ear wax removal painful? Microsuction is generally well tolerated and should not normally be painful. You may notice a slight pulling or tickling sensation as the wax is removed, and the suction equipment can sound loud because it is being used inside the ear canal. If you experience discomfort at any point, tell your clinician and they can stop or adjust the procedure. What are the benefits of microsuction ear wax removal? Microsuction has several advantages: No water: It is a dry method of wax removal. Good visibility: Your clinician can see the ear canal while removing the wax. Precise: The clinician can target specific areas of wax or debris. Quick: Treatment can usually be completed within a standard appointment. Clean: Wax is removed directly using suction rather than being flushed from the ear. Microsuction can also be suitable for some people for whom water-based ear irrigation may not be appropriate. Your clinician will assess your ears and medical history before treatment. Why doesn’t Amplify Hearing offer traditional ear syringing? Traditional ear syringing uses a manually operated syringe to force water into the ear canal. NICE advises that this older method should no longer be used because controlling the pressure can be difficult, increasing the risk of damage to the ear canal or eardrum. This should not be confused with modern electronic ear irrigation, which uses controlled water pressure and remains an accepted method of ear wax removal for suitable patients. Amplify Hearing has chosen to provide microsuction as its method of ear wax removal. What happens during a microsuction appointment? Your hearing care professional will begin by asking you about your ears, symptoms and relevant medical history. They will then examine your ear canals using magnification to check the amount and position of the wax and make sure microsuction is appropriate. If treatment can go ahead, a small suction device will be used to carefully remove the excess wax. Your clinician will explain what is happening throughout the appointment and you can ask to stop at any time. We may recommend using an olive oil-based ear spray, such as Earol, for a few days before your appointment to soften the wax. Your clinic will let you know if this is appropriate for you. How much does microsuction ear wax removal cost? Our ear wax removal service starts from £50 for one ear or £80 for both ears. Prices may vary depending on location, so please check with your local Amplify Hearing clinic when booking.
Do I need a referral for microsuction ear wax removal? No. You do not need a GP or ENT referral to book an ear wax removal appointment with Amplify Hearing. You can contact your local clinic and book directly. How long does microsuction ear wax removal take? Most ear wax removal appointments take approximately 15 to 30 minutes, although this can vary depending on the amount, position and consistency of the wax. Sometimes it may not be possible or appropriate to remove all of the wax at the first appointment. If this happens, your clinician will explain the next steps. What should I do after microsuction ear wax removal? Most people can continue with their normal activities immediately after microsuction. Your clinician will provide any aftercare advice that is appropriate for your ears. In general, avoid inserting cotton buds or other objects into the ear canal. If you experience unexpected pain, discharge, a significant change in hearing or other concerning symptoms following your appointment, contact the clinic or seek appropriate medical advice.
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Find your nearest Amplify Hearing practice and arrange to see your local independent, qualified audiologist. Our hearing care professionals will build a relationship with you, taking the time to make sure you get the very best advice and the most from your hearing aids. When we talk through your hearing options with you, you’re guaranteed to receive unbiased hearing advice you can trust.