Our clinic offers microsuction earwax removal services carried out by doctor. We charge £79.99 for one or both ears. And if we don't find any wax, we'll complete a full ear health & hearing check, which costs £29.99.
Naturally produced in the ear canal, earwax moisturises and protects them from dust, germs, irritation and even insects. Most people don’t need to remove it because our ears are ‘self cleaning’ - earwax moves from part way down the canal to the outside of your ear naturally.
If any of the above apply then it’s important to get it checked out right away to prevent further issues to your ear health.
There isn’t a set recommended frequency for earwax removal, as it depends on each individual case. Some people don’t require earwax removal very often, whereas others produce vast amounts of earwax at a faster rate and may require a few visits within the year. If you’re concerned about the amount of earwax you are producing, or would like to find out more about how often you should clean out your ears, get in touch
If excess ear wax is not removed, it can lead to a build-up of impacted earwax. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of impacted earwax, including ear pain, tinnitus, a ‘full ear’ or a cough, book an appointment with us as soon as possible.
Microsuction is regarded as the safest and best practice in ear wax removal. We use a digital Otoscope with a high resolution camera to view the ear canal and locate the build-up of ear wax, skin and debris.
A very fine sterile suction device is then used to remove the wax from deeper areas within the ear. Microsuction is a quick procedure which is precise, safe and painless.
Unlike ear syringing, which is no longer recommended as safe, there is less contraindications for microsuctioning making it a suitable procedure for most people.
The service is tailored to your requirements and we will take the upmost care when carrying out the procedure with a full explanation before, during and after your treatment to make you feel comfortable and relaxed.
Ear syringing is a technique of removing earwax that involves pushing a controlled flow of pressurised warm water through the ear canal to flush out the wax.
Although it can be successful, it can have additional side effects and possible complications, especially if done incorrectly, causing ear infections or impacted earwax.
Ear syringing is not a service that is provided by Nottingham Ear Clinic.
Specialist sterile instruments may be used to remove ear wax alongside microsuction or to assist with the removal of foreign bodies such as cotton buds, insects or hearing aid devices.
In cases where the wax is easily accessible and not too high into the ear canal, we may use small instruments such as a Jobson Horne (fine sterile hook) to draw ear wax out with ease.
Aural forceps are often used to manually draw out material that has been dislodged by the microsuction.
Manual removal requires precision and should only be performed by highly trained individuals to avoid injury to the ear canal or eardrum.
Prior to your appointment please ensure your familiarise yourself with our patient information leaflet. Should you have any questions please feel free to ask during your consultation
During your first visit to the clinic we will obtain a comprehensive history of your current ear complaint, discuss any previous ear problems you may have experienced and undertake an initial examination and assessment of both your ears.
This will be done using a special instrument called a Digital Otoscope - this provides a high resolution view of your ear canal viewable on screen. This can be useful for comparisons in the future.
If wax is present to one or both of your ears then we will talk you through the microsuction procedure and gain your written consent prior to the treatment.
Your general medical history will be discussed along with any existing medical conditions, current medication and any history of allergies.
During the consultation if a contraindication to the procedure becomes apparent then the reason for this will be fully explained.
You'll only be charged our standard consultation fee of £29 which includes a hearing check.
Ear wax and debris are gently removed via a very fine suction tube attached to a vacuum suction machine. During the procedure you may feel a gentle pulling sensation as the wax is removed.
Alongside the sound of the suction itself you are likely to hear crackling and squeaking noises as the suction attaches to the wax.
A microsuction appointment typically lasts around 30 minutes, although we may require additional time to ensure the best possible treatment. In some instances, you may be asked to return (at no additional charge) if the wax cannot be removed at the initial visit.
After the procedure, the doctor will re-examine your ears and take you through the high resolution images and videos captured of your ear, enabling you to see a before and after. If further medical treatment is required then you'll be advised accordingly.
If we do find anything unusual in your ears, we have direct access to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) consultant led advice panel – within 72 hours of your appointment – at no extra cost to you.
If the wax removal was unsuccessful, we may ask you to use olive oil drops for five days before re-booking a return appointment. There is a limit of one follow-up appointment. If wax removal is unsuccessful again then we will talk to you about what to do next.
You can book an ear wax removal appointment directly online or by calling us on 0115 837 2252.
We recommend using Earol for 5 days before your appointment (if you can).
This medical grade olive oil based spray will help soften the wax, making it easier to remove. You can purchase this from our clinic.
To cancel your appointment, you must give us at least two clear working days’ notice, otherwise your appointment will be non-refundable.
No, you can book directly without needing a referral. If you are unsure if your ears are blocked by wax, we can do an initial assessment to confirm if microsuction is required.
We advise our patients to use olive oil for at least 3-5 days prior to your appointment, it will help to soften the wax.
This makes it easier for us to remove it all and makes the treatment more comfortable for you.
If you need to see us urgently or there is a reason you are unable to use ear drops in your ears, please contact us for further advice.
We recommend Earol Olive Oil - A metered dose spray of pharmaceutical-grade olive oil. This can be purchased from our clinic.
No, the microsuction should not cause any pain during ear wax removal, but it can sometimes uncomfortable. In particular, if olive oil has not been used for a sufficient time prior to microsuction. Some patients say it is a bit noisy and others have reported a tickling sensation during the procedure.
Microsuction normally only takes a few minutes and for most patients, ear wax will be removed in under 30 minutes. Prior to the treatment, the patient’s ears will be examined and the doctor will ask some questions about your general health and medical history.
Every patient is different and there are many reasons why ear wax can build up and become problematic. Most people who suffer from ear wax will need microsuction once or twice a year. There will be some people that will need microsuction more frequently.
Yes, it is far safer than ear syringing which rinses water into the ear to dislodge the wax which can place pressure on the ear drum and sensitive canal walls.
Please read our Patient Information Leaflet for risks.
We currently only offer microsuction to patients aged 18 and over.
The closest parking is less than a minute away at Halls Road Car Park. There is also limited on-street parking directly outside the clinic. Your appointment for microsuction ear wax removal should take less than 30 minutes, but can take longer.
We offer evening and weekend appointments for microsuction ear wax removal at our clinic. Please contact the clinic for further information.
Yes, it is perfectly safe to fly after having ear wax removed by microsuction
Ear wax removal carried out by a healthcare professional is a regulated activity. Providers of ear wax removal services must be registered with and regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Nottingham Ear Clinic
200 Derby Road, Stapleford, Nottingham, NG9 7AY
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