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Earwax Removal Services

Professional earwax removal using hygienic microsuction that’s safe, gentle and effective. Most patients leave with noticeably clearer hearing in a single 30-minute appointment.

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The gold standard in earwax removal

A blocked ear is more than just an inconvenience – it can muffle conversations, affect your balance, and leave you feeling constantly under pressure. Thankfully, professional earwax removal is one of the quickest fixes in audiology. Most appointments take around20 to 30 minutes, and the majority of patients leave with noticeably clearer hearing on the day.

At The Hearing Clinic, we use microsuction – the gold standard in earwax removal – carried out by our clinical audiologists in a clean, calm clinical setting. Our ear wax removal services cost £95, and we see adults and children from age 5 at our clinics in Radlett, Hitchin, and Welwyn – no GP referral needed.

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Gentle, pain-free microsuction in under 30 minutes

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Performed by clinical audiologists in a CQC-registered clinic

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Appointments available within days – no GP referral needed

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Safe for adults and children from age 5

Symptoms of earwax impaction

Earwax blockage can cause a surprising range of symptoms — and they can come on gradually, which means some people don’t realise wax is the cause. You don’t need a GP referral to book with us. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s worth making an earwax removal appointment.

  • Impaired Hearing
    Wax build-up can muffle sounds and make it difficult to hear.
  • Dizziness & Vertigo
    Balance issues may be related to ear issues and earwax impaction.
  • Ear Infections
    Build-up can lead to bacterial growth if not addressed.
  • Tinnitus
    Ringing or buzzing sounds can result from impacted earwax.
  • Itchiness
    A common symptom, often prompting one to seek relief.
  • Pressure in the Ear
    An uncomfortable sensation that can be caused by earwax build up & impaction.

What happens at my earwax removal appointment?

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Your audiologist will ask a few brief questions about your ear health and any relevant history, including previous procedures or conditions.

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We examine your ear canal using a specialist video otoscope to assess the amount and position of the wax and confirm it’s safe to proceed.

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Using a fine, low-pressure suction device under magnification, we gently remove the wax. The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes. The suction device makes a degree of noise, but the process is virtually painless for most patients.

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We examine your ears again to confirm the wax has been removed and check the health of your ear canal and eardrum. If we can’t fully clear the wax in one appointment – usually because it’s particularly hard or deeply impacted – we’ll advise on softening drops and rebook you.Appointments typically take around 45–60 minutes.

This is what one of our patients has to say about our earwax removal:

“The pleasure of stress-free hearing is immense.”

Suffering from a recurrent buildup of ear wax, I attributed my struggle to catch words or hear against background noise to this. Each time my ears were cleared, my hearing seemingly improved, only to decline once more, which I always blamed on wax. The decline in clarity was so gradual that I rationalised the changes, telling myself it wasn’t severe. Life’s interruptions also delayed my regular wax removal routine, further procrastinating a proper hearing check.

Eventually, the struggle intensified. Conversations, particularly those from a distance or without visual cues, became challenging. Television and radio grew harder to hear; strangely, I could sometimes catch deeper sounds better from afar.

Apologies for not hearing became frequent, and deciphering spoken words turned into a mental task. This prompted me to finally book a wax removal appointment, followed by a much-needed hearing test.

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Having had a bad experience with ear syringing elsewhere years ago, I chose The Hearing Clinic because of their gentle suction method and its convenient location within walking distance. My previous positive experiences left me with no reservations about returning for further care.

I initially chose The Hearing Clinic for wax removal, but the excellent service convinced me to continue. The suggestion of a friend, whose husband had successfully improved his hearing there, further solidified my decision.

The service exceeded my expectations from the moment of booking. The process was professional, swift, and supportive, with clear explanations at every step. After ear cleaning, the later multi-stage hearing test clearly showed my need for hearing aids, with understandable results even shared with my GP.

The improvement was immediate and striking. Suddenly, I realised the mental effort I’d been exerting to listen was unnecessary. The relaxation that followed was both mental and physical – during dinner with friends, they noticed the difference without me mentioning I had hearing aids fitted!

My voice and facial expression had relaxed visibly, and I now hear clearly in noisy environments without anxiety. Sounds are vibrant, with volumes I had forgotten, like pages turning in a book or the sound of birdsong.

My advice is to take the clinic’s guidance and ask questions. Carefully consider their recommendations regarding hearing support; it can be life-changing!

The moment my hearing aids were fitted, I regretted not acting sooner. For the first time, everything was crystal clear – an 80 per cent improvement, according to my prescription.

Adjusting to hearing aids has been seamless, occasionally forgetting they’re there. Despite the cost and the initial delay while sorting finances, they were worth every penny for the clarity and quality of life they provided. While handling them requires care, the benefits far outweigh any minor inconvenience.

I cannot thank The Hearing Clinic staff enough. I no longer frustrate myself or others by asking for repetitions or pretending to understand. The pleasure of stress-free hearing is immense!

Blocked ears won’t clear themselves. Let us help.

Book a microsuction earwax removal appointment at our Hertfordshire clinics — no GP referral needed, and appointments often available within days.

Why we use microsuction for earwax removal

Microsuction is widely regarded as the safest and most comfortable method of earwax removal. Unlike traditional ear syringing – which involves flushing pressurised water into the ear canal – microsuction uses gentle suction to remove wax under direct visualisation, with no liquid involved.

This means it’s suitable for people with perforated eardrums, those who’ve had ear surgery, and patients who’ve had problems with syringing in the past. It’s also faster, cleaner and more comfortable than irrigation.

At The Hearing Clinic, we use ENT-grade equipment throughout. Your audiologist will examine your ears before and after the procedure and talk you through every step.

What does earwax removal cost?

The Hearing Clinic’s earwax removal service is £95 for one or both ears. This includes a pre- and post-examination of your ear canal and eardrum, sterile single use suctioning tools, microsuction by a clinical audiologist, and aftercare advice.

You may find cheaper options on the high street, but these are typically carried out by trained healthcare assistants rather than clinical audiologists, using less specialist equipment. At The Hearing Clinic, your procedure is always carried out by a qualified audiologist, with the expertise to spot anything beyond straightforward wax removal that might need attention.

Safe, professional earwax removal for children

We’re one of a small number of private audiology clinics able to offer earwax removal for children, from age 5. We use the same gentle microsuction technique as we do for adults, and our audiologists are experienced at putting younger patients at ease.

Because the procedure requires the child to remain still, we do ask that they feel comfortable with ear examinations before attending. If you’re not sure whether your child is ready, please call us first – we’re happy to talk it through and help you decide whether to go ahead.

Meet Your Experts

Not sure if you need earwax removal?

Sometimes it’s hard to know whether your symptoms are caused by wax or something else. Our team will help you work it out. Fill in the form below, and we’ll call you back, answer your questions about ear wax removal honestly, and point you in the right direction.

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How often should I have earwax removed?


It varies from person to person. Some patients need removal every few months; others find once a year is sufficient, or not at all. Your audiologist will advise based on your ear anatomy and how quickly your wax tends to build up, and can suggest a maintenance schedule if needed.

Is microsuction safe for earwax removal?

Yes, microsuction is the gold standard in earwax removal and is considerably safer than traditional syringing. It’s carried out under direct visualisation, with no water involved, which significantly reduces the risk of infection or eardrum damage. At The Hearing Clinic, all procedures are performed by qualified clinical audiologists we have carried out over 9000 earwax removal procedures so you are in safe hands.

What are the risks involved with earwax removal?


Like any clinical procedure, earwax removal carries a small degree of risk, including temporary dizziness, minor discomfort, or, in very rare cases, irritation to the ear canal. These are significantly reduced when the procedure is performed by an experienced clinical audiologist using appropriate equipment. We examine your ears before proceeding to confirm it’s safe, and we’ll always talk you through any concerns beforehand.

Will earwax removal improve my hearing?


In most cases, yes – often immediately. Patients with significant wax blockage frequently notice a marked improvement in clarity as soon as the procedure is complete. If there is an underlying hearing issue beyond the wax, we can discuss next steps with you.

Do I need to use olive oil drops before my earwax removal appointment?

Unless you have perforated eardrums or a history of ear surgery, we recommend softening your wax with olive oil drops for three to five days before your appointment. This makes removal easier and more comfortable. If your symptoms are acute and you can’t wait, call us, and we’ll advise on the best approach.

Do I need a GP referral for earwax removal?

No. You can book directly with us without a referral.

Do you offer same-day earwax removal services?

We aim to offer appointments within days at our clinics in Radlett, Hitchin and Welwyn. If your symptoms are severe, call us directly, and we’ll do our best to find the earliest possible slot.

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