Earwax Removal

Ear wax removal is not funded by the NHS in all circumstances, this is largely because in most circumstances, ear wax does not need physical removal as simple over-the-counter measures work very well.

See the NHS page on Earwax Build Up

If these simple conservative measures do not work, we would recommend avoiding purchasing the various unproven and often costly devices online as in most instances, there is no proof that they are effective, and they can damage your ears.

Ear wax removal is funded by the NHS in the following cases

Presence of hearing aids with ear wax removal required to prevent interference with the proper functioning of the device.
Patients with significant learning disability, impaired communication and dementia
Patients who need accurate diagnostic assessments such as a hearing test where ear wax removal is necessary for accurate results

From March 2026 we will also offer a non-NHS paid for ear wax microsuction service for patients who do not meet the criteria above.

There are many different private providers of ear wax removal in Clevedon and the surrounding area. We at Clevedon Medical Centre have recently decided to provide our own non-NHS ear wax removal service as we believe:

Ear wax removal at your local GP clinic is safer as we have access to all of your medical records.

and

We do everything we can to provide this service at a cost-effective price

We will in most circumstances use microsuction, however we do occasionally suggest water irrigation depending on what we find when we examine your ears. Water Irrigation: Warm sterile water is carefully flushed into the ear canal using a special device. The water washes out your canal and can therefore remove wax/ debris etc.

Micro-suction: Used when precise control is needed to remove hard or difficult to reach ear wax. This method minimises the risk of damage to your ear drum which is located at the end of your ear canal, and can ensure your ear canals are completely cleared of wax.

Request Ear Wax Removal

What to expect

{{ Number(0) + 1 }}. Pre Appointment

We ask you to use olive oil drops to soften wax as this will enable us to minimise discomfort and ensure effective removal at your private appointment.

Please purchase a simple olive oil ear drop treatment from your local pharmacy, use this 1 to 2 times a day for around 7 to 10 days prior to your appointment.

{{ Number(1) + 1 }}. Appointment

You will be asked to complete a form in the waiting room. This form will outline risks of the procedure. Please ensure you read it carefully. Your clinician will then confirm your understanding of the procedure and will ask some questions to confirm your medical history

The clinician will then examine your ears using a handheld otoscope and will provide some advice around the best way to remove your wax. It is possible that they find you no longer have any issues with wax, in this case you will only be charged a consultation fee.

If there is wax to be removed, the nurse will explain what procedure they would like to do, and with your consent will proceed with that procedure. The whole appointment should take a maximum of 30-minutes.

{{ Number(2) + 1 }}. Following the Procedure

Once we are satisfied that all the wax has been removed, you will be asked about your hearing and any ongoing issues.

If you feel your hearing is still reduced, a letter will be written to your normal GP asking them to consider referring you for a hearing test.

We ask that you avoid getting any water in your ears for at least 24-hours after the procedure.

Please also keep an eye on any pain or discharge that may develop in the next few days, as this may be a sign of developing infection in your ears which would need discussion with your GP surgery as antibiotics may be needed.

If you have any issues/ feedback then please complete this form

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