“…walked through the whole microsuction process clearly. The procedure was entirely painless.” Bashir
“Always excellent treatment… restored my hearing levels with skilful wax removal treatment and reassurance throughout the process. Pindrop is my go-to service.” Reeva
“…a comprehensive assessment of the wax in my ears with a concise and clear explanation backed up with CCTV images. Wax removal was then undertaken with great care, consideration and description in a professional manner.” Bruce
Microsuction uses gentle suction, guided by a medical microscope, to remove ear wax without putting water into the ear. It’s our preferred method for most patients but if another method would suit your ears better, your clinician will explain why before they begin. The benefits of microsuction:
Microsuction is a gentle procedure that uses suction to remove excess or troublesome ear wax. Using a microscope, our trained clinicians look directly into the ear canal and remove the wax with a sterile suction device.
Microsuction is a safe and modern method that uses gentle suction to remove ear wax while the clinician watches through a microscope. It’s clean, quick, and doesn’t use water.
For most people, yes. Microsuction doesn’t involve flushing water into the ear, so it’s generally more comfortable, cleaner and carries a lower risk of infection. Occasionally, if wax is very soft or sticky, irrigation can work better, and your clinician will advise on the best approach for you.
Most patients find it painless. You may feel a slight tickling or suction sensation, and a few people notice brief, mild dizziness, which passes quickly.
The time allocated for the appointment is 30 minutes. Our aim is to complete the procedure fully and successfully in this time, which is the outcome in the vast majority of cases. If, however, the procedure cannot be completed in this time, due to very hard, impacted or stubborn wax, then a second appointment may be booked to complete the procedure. If a second, or follow up appointment is required, this will be charged at a reduced rate of £50.
It isn’t essential, but if you’re not booking a same-day appointment, we recommend a drop of olive oil or an over-the-counter ear wax softener, such as Earol, in each ear for 2 to 3 days before your visit. This loosens the wax and helps you make the most of your appointment.
Your £80 fee covers a full ear health check, video images of your eardrums before and after treatment, and removal from one or both ears using medical ENT microscopes, professional suction equipment and sterile, single-use instruments. Each appointment allows 30 minutes, so there’s time to treat stubborn or impacted wax carefully, and to give you personal advice on looking after your ears.
Same-day appointments are often available. Book online or call us to find the earliest appointment at your nearest clinic.
As the ears are self-cleaning, we recommend that you should never use cotton buds or insert anything in your ears as this is likely to cause further problems.
If you’re creating excessive amounts of ear wax and have a build up, this is when ear wax removal is required.
Microsuction
Microsuction is our preferred method. It uses gentle suction to remove excess or troublesome wax, with your clinician looking directly into the ear canal through a microscope.
Ear Irrigation
Occasionally, if wax is very soft or sticky, or sits on the eardrum itself, irrigation can be more effective and comfortable. Your clinician introduces a gentle stream of water at a calibrated, measured pressure to wash the wax out.
Manual removal
If wax is very hard or impacted, your clinician may use sterile instruments, such as a Jobson Horne probe or Cawthorne hook, to loosen the wax or remove it in one piece. They work under the microscope throughout, for safe, precise removal.
Yes, but we recommend contacting us first to confirm suitability. Our clinicians are experienced and trained to treat both adults and children. The minimum age is 5 years old.
Yes. Microsuction is generally considered one of the safest methods for people with a perforated eardrum or a history of ear surgery, as no water is introduced into the ear canal. Your ears are always assessed before treatment, so we can choose the safest approach for you.
In most cases, yes. Microsuction is widely used for patients with tinnitus and is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified clinician. Some people notice temporary changes in tinnitus perception immediately after treatment due to the ear canal suddenly being clear again, but this usually settles quickly. Your clinician can discuss any concerns before treatment begins.
There is no set rule for ear cleaning because everyone produces ear wax differently. Some people may only need ear wax removal every few years, while hearing aid users or people who naturally produce more wax may benefit from treatment every 6–12 months. Your clinician can advise you based on your ear health and wax build-up.
Recurring ear wax build-up is common, particularly in people who wear hearing aids, use earphones regularly, or naturally produce excess wax. If your symptoms return quickly after treatment, we can help you create a longer-term ear care plan and advise on safe ways to manage wax build-up between appointments.
Yes. Many patients notice sounds seem sharper or louder straight after treatment, because their ears are no longer blocked. This is completely normal and usually settles quickly.
Many GP surgeries across the UK have reduced or stopped routine ear wax removal services due to NHS resource pressures and changing commissioning guidelines. As a result, many patients now choose private ear wax removal clinics like Pindrop Hearing for faster access to professional treatment without long waiting times.
Some private health insurance providers may contribute towards ear wax removal or related audiology services depending on your policy. We recommend checking directly with your insurer before your appointment. If needed, we can provide invoices or supporting documentation for your claim.
Pindrop Hearing was founded in 2006 by Dr Rony Ganguly, Doctor of Audiology and Clinical Scientist and has cared for thousands of patients.
Every clinician who carries out ear wax removal at Pindrop Hearing has been trained under medical supervision. We use medical ENT microscopes, which give exceptional magnification and accurate depth perception, for safe, precise treatment. Our professional ENT suction units are made by Otopront and all our instruments are sterile, single-use and individually packed.
If you have been referred for a test or are in need of our services, you can make your appointment by phone on 02074872660 or email [email protected] in the usual way.
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Pindrop Hearing Limited is registered in England and Wales No 05909296 Trading address 41 Harley Street, London, W1G 8QH. Pindrop Hearing Limited acts as a credit broker and only offers credit products from Tabeo.
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