Ear wax removal, done properly. Safely. The same day.
If your ear feels blocked, muffled, or full of water that won't shift, ear wax is often the cause. It's one of the most common reasons people come to see us. It's also one of the easiest things to put right.
What's actually happening in there
Ear wax (the clinical name is cerumen) is produced naturally by your ear canal to trap dust, protect the skin, and keep the canal clean. Normally, it works its way out on its own. Sometimes it doesn't.
It can build up because of:
Naturally narrow or hairy ear canals
Hearing aids, earphones, or earplugs that block the canal
Cotton bud use (which usually pushes wax deeper rather than removing it)
Age, which tends to dry out the wax and make it stickier
Some skin conditions
How to tell if it's wax
Impacted ear wax usually causes one or more of:
A blocked or full feeling in the ear
Reduced hearing, often in one ear more than the other
A muffled or underwater quality to sound
Tinnitus or ringing
Sometimes pain, dizziness, or itching
Hearing aids whistling or feeding back more than usual
If any of those sound familiar, it's worth getting checked. The appointment itself is short and the relief is usually immediate.
Why microsuction is better than irrigation
There are three main ways to remove ear wax: irrigation, curette (a manual scoop), and microsuction. We use microsuction exclusively, and here’s why.
It's dry. No water flushed into your ear, so there's no risk of infection or perforation from water pressure.
It’s controlled. We can see what we’re doing through magnification the whole time. Irrigation is essentially blind.
It's faster. Most appointments are over in 20 to 30 minutes.
It’s suitable for almost everyone, including patients with perforated eardrums, recent ear surgery, or recurrent infections, who can’t have irrigation.
Microsuction is the same method used in hospitals and ENT clinics.
Before Your Appointment
Your appointment will begin with an examination of both ears using a video otoscope, allowing your audiologist to assess the wax build-up and check the condition of your ear canal before treatment begins. Microsuction appointments typically take around 20–30 minutes, although this may vary depending on the amount and condition of the wax.
If you have any ear sensitivity, recent infection, previous ear surgery or a perforated eardrum, please let your audiologist know before treatment. Your ears will be assessed first so the audiologist can determine whether microsuction is appropriate for you.
If treatment cannot safely proceed, your audiologist will explain what they have found and advise you on the most appropriate next step. Where an outer or middle ear concern is identified, you may be referred to your GP for further investigation.
Does ear wax removal hurt?
No. It can feel slightly strange or noisy, but it shouldn't hurt. If you have any sensitivity or recent infection, tell us before we start and we'll adjust how we work.
How often will I need it done?
Can I just clean my ears at home with cotton buds?
Do you do walk-in appointments?
Can you remove wax if I have a perforated eardrum?
