earwax Removal
£60 per visit
We also offer a Clear Ear Care Plan: 4 visits a year for only £15 per month
about earwax
removal
Earwax build-up can cause discomfort, hearing issues, and other symptoms. Removal methods include:
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Microsuction (our primary method)
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Water irrigation
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Manual Removal
Each method carries its own risks and benefits. At North Norfolk Ear & Skin Care (NNESC), we use a person-centred approach to select the safest and most appropriate technique for you.
We use a portable suction unit (commonly used in audiology for this purpose) to gently remove wax. The wax is either removed in lumps, or sucked down the tube into a collection canister.
Unlike many other ear practitioners, at NNESC we use an endoscope to perform our treatments. This gives us a far superior view of your ear canal, and allows us to treat cases that other practitioners are unable or unwilling to treat.
We can also use the endoscope to safely remove foreign bodies from the ear where appropriate
Risks & side effects
Common:
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Blowing or cold sensation
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Mild discomfort
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Itching, Stinging
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Temporary dizziness
Rare:
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Pain, bleeding, bruising if the probe catches the canal or eardrum.
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Temporary tinnitus
Post-treatment complications:
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Itching, aching,
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Temporary Tinnitus
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Ear infection
Hidden Ear problems:
Wax can sometimes conceal other issues. If we identify a concern:
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We will stop treatment and discuss it with you
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Signpost you to your GP or another service if needed
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Provide a referral letter sent to your provided email address with images
what happens at my appointment?
If you are a new client that I haven't met before, we will start with a chat to allow me to understand your history and any current issues. This will help me understand if there are any methods I should not use to treat you - for example, water irrigation should not be used if you have a perforation of your ear drum.
After this, I check your ears for wax build up or any other issues - sometimes it isn't wax causing the problems.
If it is a wax build up causing the problem(s) and I am confident that this can be removed at the appointment, I will explain the method(s) I intend to use, ensure you fully understand and feel comfortable and ask you to sign a consent form.
Then we are on to treatment. I will explain and check in with you throughout the procedure to make sure you are comfortable. Once I finish, I will check your eardrum and ear canal, and show you images and explain what I'm showing you.
Some easy to follow aftercare advice and you are done!
FAQ's
Does it hurt?
Earwax removal shouldn’t be painful. Occasionally, you may feel a slight pulling sensation if older skin is removed with the wax. Using olive oil beforehand can help reduce any discomfort
Should I use oil before my appointment?
Yes, I strongly recommend it. Using a spray at night for 2–3 days before your appointment can soften the wax and make removal easier and more comfortable
I used olive oil but now my ears feel even more blocked
This is a good sign! The wax absorbs the oil, softens, and expands, which can make the blockage feel worse temporarily—but it means treatment will be more effective.
Why do I have to pay for earwax removal? My surgery used to do it for free!
This service is no longer widely offered by GP surgeries. It requires specialist training, equipment, and time, so is now commonly provided in private clinics.
How often should it be done?
It varies from person to person. Some people need regular removal, while others rarely do. Factors like ear shape, wax type, and hearing aid use all play a role.
Do you see children?
Yes, I do - with some caveats. Treatment is only carried out if it’s safe and comfortable. Pre-treatment with oil may be required, and sometimes more than one visit is needed. Firstly, if they are not comfortable, distressed, or I don't feel they are able to sit still long enough to treat safely, then I will not treat them, and instead, recommend you seek GP advice and referral to paediatric ENT.
If the blockage is deep or dry, then I will ask you for at least 7 days of oil to be applied before I attempt treatment. If soft wax is removed and further dry wax remains, I will ask you to repeat this process and come back for further treatment. This is for their safety. It is not a way to make me more money, children's anatomy is still developing, and their hearing is precious. I am happy to treat them, but only in a way that is safe and reduces risk of any complications.