Ear Wax Removal
Safe microsuction ear wax removal by trained professionals.
PrivateAbout This Service
Blocked ears? We offer safe microsuction ear wax removal, the gold-standard method recommended by audiologists. Fast relief, usually in a single appointment. Book online or call us on 01634 575805. We're open 7 days a week, 7:30am to 10pm, so you can fit an appointment around work or school.
Key Facts
- Method
- Microsuction, no water used
- Appointment length
- Around 30 minutes
- Visits needed
- Usually just one
- Age
- Adults 18+
- Preparation
- Olive oil drops for 3-5 days before
- Booking
- Call 01634 575805
Why microsuction is the gold standard
Microsuction removes wax using a gentle medical suction device while the clinician looks directly into your ear canal throughout the procedure. No water is flushed into your ear, unlike syringing or irrigation, which makes it the method audiologists recommend and the one generally considered safest for people with a history of ear problems.
We examine your ears first with a video otoscope, so both you and the clinician can see exactly what's causing the blockage before and after treatment.
Why your GP no longer offers ear syringing
Most GP surgeries across Medway and the rest of England have withdrawn ear syringing from their NHS services, following guidance that ear wax removal is no longer routinely commissioned in general practice. That's why private microsuction has become the standard route for blocked ears, and why many of our patients come to us after being told their surgery can't help.
How to prepare for your appointment
Use olive oil ear drops (available from our pharmacy counter) for 3-5 days before your appointment, following the instructions on the pack. This softens the wax, making removal quicker, gentler, and much more likely to be completed in a single visit.
Don't use cotton buds or try to dig the wax out yourself. This pushes wax deeper against the eardrum and is the most common cause of the impactions we treat. If your ears feel blocked, itchy, or your hearing is muffled, softening drops and professional removal are the safe route.
What to Expect
- 1A thorough ear examination with a video otoscope
- 2Gentle microsuction to clear the blockage
- 3Aftercare advice to prevent recurrence
Who Is This For?
- Suitable for adults aged 18+
- Pre-treatment with olive oil drops recommended for 3-5 days prior
Frequently Asked Questions
No, for the vast majority of people it's completely painless. You'll hear a suction noise, a bit like a quiet vacuum cleaner or hand dryer, and most people feel immediate relief when the blockage clears. If your ear canal is sensitive, it may feel slightly uncomfortable but not painful.
Common signs of a wax blockage include muffled or dulled hearing, a feeling of fullness in the ear, itching, ringing (tinnitus), mild earache, or your own voice sounding unusually loud. If any of these sound familiar, book an examination. If wax isn't the cause, we'll tell you and point you in the right direction.
Around 30 minutes, including the video otoscope examination before and after. Most blockages are cleared in a single visit, especially if you've used olive oil drops beforehand.
Our service is for adults aged 18 and over. For children, speak to your GP or paediatric audiology service.
Occasionally, very hard or deep wax needs a second visit after another few days of softening drops. If that happens, we'll explain why and rebook you. You'll still leave with a clear plan rather than guesswork.
Available Near You
Medway Pharmacy serves patients from across the Medway area.
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Most services available same week. No GP referral needed.