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Ear Wax Removal in and around London

£80 for one or both ears. Same-day appointments often available.
Looking for safe, professional ear wax removal? Every ear wax removal at Pindrop Hearing is carried out by a clinician trained under medical supervision, using a medical ENT microscope and single-use sterile instruments.

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Gentle, quick and comfortable

Microsuction uses gentle suction rather than water, so it’s clean, quick and comfortable. Your clinician works under a medical ENT microscope throughout, giving a clear, magnified view of your ear canal. We capture images of your eardrums before and after, so you can see the difference for yourself. Many patients notice clearer hearing straight away.
Our London clinics are registered with the Care Quality Commission, the independent regulator that also inspects GP surgeries and hospitals.

“…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

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Why microsuction is our preferred method

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:

  • No water, so a lower risk of infection and dizziness
  • Full visibility, with your clinician working under a medical microscope throughout
  • Quick results, with wax removed in a single appointment in the vast majority of cases
  • Suitable for more complex ears, including perforated eardrums and hearing aid wearers
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Ear Wax Removal FAQs

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.

What is microsuction ear wax removal?

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.

Is microsuction ear wax removal better than ear syringing?

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.

Does ear wax removal hurt?

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.

How long does ear wax removal take?

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.

Do I need to use olive oil drops before ear wax removal?

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.

Why does ear wax removal cost £80?

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.

How quickly can I book ear wax removal?

Same-day appointments are often available. Book online or call us to find the earliest appointment at your nearest clinic.

What can you do about wax?

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.

What type of ear wax removal do you do?

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.

Can children have microsuction ear wax 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.

Is microsuction safe if I have a perforated eardrum?

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.

Is microsuction safe if I have tinnitus?

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.

How often should I have my ears cleaned?

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.

What if my wax comes back quickly?

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.

My hearing feels different afterwards. Is that normal?

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.

Why can't my GP do ear wax removal anymore?

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.

Is ear wax removal covered by health insurance?

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.

Step by step guide to your appointment

Step 1

Medical History

Your clinician will take a brief medical history relating to your ears.

Step 2

Examination

Your ears will be examined and images recorded using a video otoscope, so you can see the inside of your ears on screen.

Step 3

Explanation

Your clinician will explain the procedure and the method they recommend for you.

Step 4

Procedure

Your clinician will remove the wax using the most suitable method for your ears.

Step 5

Review

We’ll take a second set of images, so you can see your clear, healthy eardrums for yourself.

Step 6

Follow Up

Occasionally, very hard or impacted wax needs a second session. If so, we’ll book you in at a reduced fee of £50.

Our Pricing

The standard fee for ear wax removal is £80 for one or both ears in our London-based clinics. This includes video images of your eardrums before and after treatment, and removal from one or both ears as needed.
Each appointment allows 30 minutes. In the vast majority of cases, we complete the procedure fully in this time. If wax is very hard, impacted or stubborn, a second appointment may be needed to finish the procedure. Follow-up appointments are charged at a reduced fee of £50.
If no ear wax is found, we’ll carry out a tympanometry test to check your middle ear function and rule out any fluid or congestion. A reduced fee of £50 applies. If needed, we’ll give advice or arrange a referral to an appropriate medical specialist. Please give at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel. Appointments missed or cancelled with less notice may incur a £65 late cancellation fee.

Why Choose Us

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.

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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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Harley Street

41 Harley Street, London W1G 8QH

0207 487 2660

Finchley Road

20 Temple Fortune Parade, London, NW11 0QS

0203 993 5393

Little Chalfont

Oliv-Harr House, Chalfont Station Road, Little Chalfont, HP7 9FG

01494 765144

Winchmore Hill

748 Green Lanes, Winchmore Hill, London N21 3RE

0208 360 2510

Chelsea, Kings Road

412 Kings Road Chelsea, London SW10 0LJ

0208 150 2330

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Heathbourne Road, Bushey Herts, WD23 1RD

0208 901 5555

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.

Pindrop Hearing Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our registered number is 796909. Credit subject to age and status.

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