Earwax Removal:
from 5 years of age onwards
What is Earwax Removal?
Earwax removal is a safe and effective procedure designed to clear excessive or impacted earwax. We use gentle microsuction and irrigation technology, to precisely and hygienically remove wax under direct visualisation. Where appropriate, manual removal techniques using specialist instruments may also be used to ensure complete clearance. A full ear health assessment is conducted before treatment to ensure suitability and optimal ear health. Unable to get to the clinic? No problem, we conduct home, care home and nursing home visits within 15 miles of our clinic address, additional costs are applied, please contact us for our home visiting service.
Removal techniques:
Microsuction:
Microsuction is a safe and pain-free method of earwax removal when performed by a trained practitioner. It is particularly suitable for individuals who cannot undergo ear irrigation, whereby introducing water into the ear canal could lead to complications by reaching the inner ear.
Irrigation:
Ear Irrigation is a gentle and effective method of removing earwax using warm water. A controlled, low-pressure stream is carefully directed along the wall of the ear canal rather than directly at the wax to safely dislodge and flush out the buildup. This technique helps minimise discomfort and reduces the risk of pushing wax further into the ear.
Manual removal:
Manual Removal is a precise technique used to clear stubborn or impacted earwax. Performed by trained practitioners using a speculum for visibility, a range of sterile instruments are carefully employed to safely and effectively remove wax that may not respond to irrigation or microsuction.
Preparing for your earwax removal:
To prepare for your appointment, we require you to use a medical-grade olive oil in both ears for 3–5 days beforehand (available at most pharmacies to purchase). This helps to soften the wax, making removal easier, more comfortable, and more likely to be successful in a single visit. Even if only one ear feels blocked, it's common for wax to be present in both. Adequate preparation reduces the likelihood of needing a follow-up appointment, which may incur an additional charge. Using the latest video otoscope technology, we show you exactly what’s happening inside your ears—both before and after your assessment. If no treatment is required, only our standard consultation fee applies.Please do call us should you have any questions or concerns about this. Clients aged <18 years of age must have their legal guardian present throughout the treatment, a consent form will be required prior to treatment and signed by the legal guardian. The earwax removal service provided by The Ethicus Clinic is a procedural service limited to the removal of excess cerumen (ear wax) from the external auditory canal. The service does not provide diagnosis or treatment of ear disease. The Ethicus Clinic has a 'Cerumen (ear wax) Removal Scope of Practice, Exclusion Criteria & Referral Policy' that is held in the clinic for clients to read, this is also available on request and can be sent electronically. Earwax removal at The Ethicus Clinic is strictly therapeutic in nature and not medical.
Pricing:
Transparent, honest pricing is at the heart of what we do. If earwax removal isn’t necessary, you won’t be charged for it.
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£60.00 Consultation and earwax removal for one or both ears (if indicated after consultation)
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£20.00 Consultation fee (if earwax removal is not indicated).
Typical treatment duration:
30-60 minutes
Follow up:
Mandatory follow up is not required, however a free 10 minute follow up consultation a can be arranged within 6-months of your appointment should you have any concerns.
This Earwax removal treatment is therapeutic in nature, it is not a medical procedure and it is intended to:
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Relieve symptoms caused by non-pathological wax accumulation
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Improve hearing comfort
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Facilitate hearing aid use where appropriate
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Visual examination of the external ear canal and tympanic membrane solely to assess suitability for wax removal
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Microsuction and/or irrigation and/or Manual techniques where appropriate
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Provision of aftercare advice relating to ear hygiene and wax prevention
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Identification of abnormal findings for referral purposes only
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The assessment undertaken is not a diagnostic medical assessment and is limited to determining whether ear wax removal is safe and appropriate to proceed
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If abnormal findings are identified, the client will be advised to contact: Their GP and/or Audiology services and/or ENT services, depending on the nature of the concern
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ANY findings suggestive of pathology are referred onward
The Earwax removal treatment does not include:
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Diagnosis of ear disease or pathology
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Treatment of infection, inflammation, or injury
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Management of chronic ear conditions
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Prescribing, supplying, or administering medicines
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ENT consultation or medical management
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Emergency or urgent medical care
Common Side Effects:
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Mild Discomfort or Sensitivity: Some people may feel slight discomfort or sensitivity in the ear after the procedure, especially if the wax was deeply impacted.
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Temporary Hearing Changes: Hearing may feel unusually sharp or slightly muffled for a short time as your ears adjust after the blockage is removed.
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Dizziness or Light-headedness: This can occur briefly due to changes in ear pressure or the temperature of water (in the case of irrigation).
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Itching or Tickling Sensation: The ear canal may feel a little itchy or ticklish after wax is removed, especially as the skin adjusts to increased airflow.
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Minor Bleeding or Irritation: Rarely, if the ear canal is inflamed or if the skin is fragile, there may be minor irritation or a small amount of bleeding.
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Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ear): In some cases, existing tinnitus may temporarily worsen or develop for a short period after removal.
